2023: Give All Political Parties Equal Rights – Emir Of Ilorin, Sulu-Gambari Calls On INEC

With preparations in top gear for the forthcoming general election, a call has again gone out to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and credible conduct of the polls.

Naija News reports that the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari made the call in a statement issued by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Thursday.

The Emir appealed to INEC to give all political parties equal rights and opportunities during the contest, and also remain neutral and unbiased in the conduct of the exercise.

The monarch also appealed to politicians and their supporters as well as residents of the state not to heat up the polity in the quest to canvass for votes from the electorate.

The Emir expressed concern over the socio-economic hardships caused by the cash crunch, fuel scarcity, and the pressure of the forthcoming general elections.

He, however, urged residents of the state to remain calm and resolute as the challenges are just for a short while.

Sulu Gambari, who called for peace before, during and after the polls cautioned parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to be law-abiding to the constituted authorities and not involved in any act capable of causing crises, especially during this hard period.

The Emir, who is also the Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs further stated that “As traditional rulers, myself and my colleagues are deeply touched and aware of the various challenges faced by the general public, especially people at the grassroots level.

“It is my hope that while the government is making frantic efforts towards addressing the ugly situation, I appeal to the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large to remain calm and patient and not to allow anyone to use them to cause political unrest in the society.

“Naira notes remain the only legal tender which allows for easy transaction of business activities while a large volume of fuel is being consumed on daily basis for both domestic and industrial purposes, therefore the scarcity of both has no doubt caused unbearable hardship on the people.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that democracy can grow. I urge all political party stalwarts to endeavour to play the game of electioneering processes by the rules by embracing peaceful coexistence among themselves irrespective of their party lines.

“Voters should also exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner and vote for candidates of their choice without fear. The Ilorin Emirate is peaceful, Kwara State is peaceful and we don’t want any unfortunate incident that will tarnish our longstanding reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.”