THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to politicians in the country to refrain from frivolous allegations, inflammatory statements or unsubstantiated comments that are capable of setting the country on fire as the presidential election draws closer.
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba made the appeal on behalf of the Congress, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, titled: ” Let’s Put National Interest First.”
Wabba also called on the security personnel to be civil but firm and be guided by the rules of engagement, especially the well-worn ground rules of military-civilian relations in tense or anxious moments during the election.
Their professionalism, patience and impartial conduct, during the election, the NLC President explained would substantially reflect on the outcome of the polls.
He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment to deal summarily with ballot snatchers or arsonists was not a license to kill. “It is intended to deter trouble makers,” Wabba said, adding, “We insist on strong institutions for the sustenance of our democracy.”
While commending Nigerians for mustering to vote after the last minute postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday, he further appealed to the finest traditions, highest values, utmost sense of responsibility and unflagging patriotism in them.
“The moment of truth has come, and we must of necessity perform our civic duty in fulfillment of our beliefs or in betrayal of them.
“Our conduct will reveal our true identity, betray our intentions and test our claim to nationhood. We therefore challenge you the candidates, politicians, supporters, security personnel and INEC to be of utmost good behaviour and ethical standard as well as conduct yourselves with civility, humility, truth and abide by the rule of law,” he said.
Wabba reiterated that nobody’s ambition is worth a square millimeter of the Nigerian territory urging Nigerians to note that “we are going to the poll and not war, and they should accordingly tone down their rhetoric or blood pressure.”
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair, impartial and just to all parties or contestants.
“The onus rests on them to conduct free, fair and credible elections and earn the confidence of the electorate.
“If INEC conduct themselves transparently, there will be very little need to contest their results. It similarly behoves on us to respect and accept their results or verdict. We therefore urge politicians or candidates while criticizing INEC to be careful so as not to destroy completely their image or credibility,” he said.