Give peace a chance in Rivers

Sir: Since Governor Nyesom Wike assumed office in Rivers State as governor after defeating his opponents in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, some highly placed members of the opposition in the state are yet to come to terms with the result of that election. They have done everything humanly possible to reverse it. But it appears that every step they take does not really make any difference.

It would be recalled that during the re-run poll, the state witnessed as much violence as during the main poll simply because some people are hell-bent on getting to power at all cost. Now that the suspended poll will be conducted soon, it is pertinent to appeal to all the stakeholders to allow peace to reign in the state.

Let our politicians stop seeing election as a do or die affair. They should see election as an exercise in which politicians seek to be chosen to serve the people well. Election is supposed to be an enjoyable exercise and not one to be dreaded. It should not be reduced to a war where every imaginable weapon of violence is unleashed on the opponent.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies must ensure that the remaining poll is conducted and concluded peacefully. This is another litmus test for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu.

Let there be a level playing ground for all the participants in the electoral contest. The state should not be set on fire because of some people’s political ambition. The security agencies must ensure that the poll is free from violence and electoral infractions.

Politicians in the state should refrain from making inflammatory statements that can cause a breach of peace and they should enjoin their followers to also embrace peace during the poll.

It is in this light that the recent alarm raised over some alleged plot to reverse the gains made by the state in the promotion of security of lives by reposting to the state some allegedly compromised policemen.

Good enough, the issue is before the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. This alarm should not be treated with levity or be swept under the carpet in the usual Nigerian style.

Let the police boss, therefore, look into the allegation and do what is right to avoid another wave of violence in the coming election in the state.
George Nwibe,
Port Harcourt,
Rivers State