The governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Chijioke Edeoga, has cautioned politicians against provocative utterances as the nation prepares for the campaign season.

Edeoga noted that civility and respect for alternate views, on the part of political leaders, would encourage supporters and well-wishers to maintain decorum in their conduct and utterances.

In a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja, yesterday, the former member of House of Representatives regretted that since he emerged the flag bearer of LP, political jobbers had been trying to pitch him against Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

He said: “It is on record that during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, I did not attack personalities, but focused on issues of development and better life for our people.”

He noted that his decision to contest the governorship of the state is within his democratic rights, maintaining that voters should be allowed variety of choices to deepen democracy.

Edeoga further stated: “It has come to my notice that individuals have been making efforts to create bad blood between me and the governor.

“I wish to state, without equivocation, that I have never insulted and would never insult the governor or cast aspersion on his person. In my private and public conduct, I have always comported myself with decorum and respect to constituted authorities.

“I challenge anybody, who has any proof to the contrary, to come forward with it. I have always been civil in my private and public communications and utterances.

“However, I noticed, with dismay, that immediately I emerged the governorship candidate of LP, some busy-bodies have been concocting negative write ups and social media posts to create the impression that I am at war with the governor.”