Traditional Rulers’ Role Vital To Credible Election – REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Professor Shehu Arabu Risqua, has described the traditional rulers as a group of respected Nigerians who enlighten the public on INEC’s procedures and processes.

According to him, sometimes these types of people even intervene using their intellect, energy to mobilise the electorate to vote wisely according to the laid down rules and regulations of the Commission hence the appointment of the Oba of Yoruba in Kano.

Professor Shehu made this assertion on Thursday when INEC appointed the Oba of Yoruba in the State as a Peace Ambassador.

Conferring the title on Thursday on the Monarch, Professor Risqua said it is in line with the policy of INEC to recognise outstanding people who sacrifice, educate and crown those who contribute to peace to reign in the society.

He said INEC has passed through various forms of crisis that the Commission usually face during elections many of which are avoidable.

He noted that “you cannot have an election in an atmosphere that is not peaceful and you must have in any society people who preach peace and interject at any interval of breach of peace.”

Speaking at the occasion, Oba Yoruba Kano, Alhaji Murtala Alimi Otisese thanked INEC for the honour done him.

The INEC Ambassador described the title as another plumage to his turban and would further spur him to do more in ensuring that the forthcoming election in 2023 became successful.

Oba Yoruba then called on Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Card(PVC) saying this is the best key to electing their representative during the 2023 general election

He also charged electorates not to sell their vote noting that selling their vote, automatically indicated that they have mortgaged their future.