Politics
Buhari gives security agencies marching order on Ondo elections
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed security agencies to do their utmost in ensuring violence-free elections in Ondo and Rivers states.
Speaking at a state dinner in Benin, the Edo state capital, on Monday, President Buhari said the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and National and State Assembly rerun elections in Rivers will serve as a litmus test for the general elections in 2019.
‘‘What happened in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers State disturbs me a lot.
‘‘I think we should go beyond these actions. Why do we kill each other? Putting tyres on people and setting them ablaze.
‘‘I have told the law enforcement agencies, if we can’t conduct an election in one state then we should forget about 2019,’’ the President said.
Acknowledging the role played by outgoing Governor Adams Oshiomhole in ensuring the success of the APC in the last gubernatorial elections in the state, President Buhari challenged the Governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to continue in Oshiomhole’s footsteps of providing purposeful leadership in terms of quality infrastructure, education and social services.
Read also: What Oba of Benin wants from Buhari
‘‘The publicity your predecessor has given his performance is going to stretch you to the limit.
“Considering what he has done, you have to continue in his footsteps. We wish you the best of luck and will do our best to support you,’’ the President said.
On the current economic challenges in the country, the President assured Nigerians that his administration was working hard on diversification of the economy to limit the country’s over-dependence on oil over the years.
“This country has incredible mineral resources. All we need is to believe in ourselves so that we can have and leave a better Nigeria for our children and grandchildren,’’ the President said.
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yanju omotodun
November 8, 2016 at 2:02 pm
I am sure his standing order means the security personnels should eliminate all political opponents so as to have their way in Ondo, I mean for APC to win the Ondo election as they rigged the Edo state election.
JOHNSON PETER
November 8, 2016 at 2:19 pm
buhari is not corrupt and power greedy man. he only gave standing order for peaceful election and not for APC to rig the election. so be careful on what you say.
Amarachi Okoye
November 8, 2016 at 4:07 pm
Without being told buhari is corrupt and over greed his only trying to be nice because he want to rule the second time
Roland Uchendu Pele
November 8, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Well, the President isn’t God. To give an order is one thing, and to carry out is another. We just wait and see.
Animashaun Ayodeji
November 8, 2016 at 2:48 pm
To get the best of the electorates, it is very important to have adequate security in place, I’m glad Buhari has learned from what happened in Rivers.
JOHNSON PETER
November 8, 2016 at 2:52 pm
sure, he won’t want such to repeat itself.
Margret Dickson
November 8, 2016 at 2:49 pm
With the provision of adequate security, can there still be free and fair election in Nigeria? How are we sure the security forces won’t be manipulated?
JOHNSON PETER
November 8, 2016 at 2:51 pm
that one is your headache if security forces will be manipulated or not.
Joy Madu
November 8, 2016 at 4:29 pm
As far as am concern there is nothing like free and fair election in Nigeria
Johnson Amadi
November 8, 2016 at 2:50 pm
Buhari has done the right thing required of a President, I hope no one will go against his standing order.
chichi emerue
November 8, 2016 at 3:25 pm
I will go against it because no be now day break.Buhari is a disgrace to this country and i don’t support him for anything