By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has thrown its weight behind the calls for the arrest and prosecution of Murtala Yakubu, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in Kogi State following his indictment for inciting violence in the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the NSCF, Comrade Danjuma Paul, expressed concern that allowing Yakubu to roam freely would only encourage impunity and create the impression that politicians can get away with acts of recklessness that threaten peace and security.
He reiterated the importance of justice, noting that no one, no matter how highly placed, should be considered above the law. “We cannot afford to sit back and watch while some politicians flout the law and instigate violence, thereby putting lives and properties in danger,” he stated.
The NSCF, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to expedite the process of arresting and prosecuting Yakubu to serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts of violence in the future.
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum Urges for Peaceful Elections in Kogi State.
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum has emphasized the importance of peaceful and fair elections in Kogi State.
The group insists that no politician should be allowed to hold the state to ransom in furtherance of his personal political agenda.Recent events have shown that some politicians like Yakubu have no qualms causing violence with hate campaigns and propaganda.
The group calls on Kogi state voters to be wary of such politicians and make informed decisions during the elections.
NSCF noted that it is only when all political parties and candidates conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the rule of law, that democracy can be said to have taken solid roots in the country.
The group also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the elections are free and fair and that the votes of the people count.As stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we believes that only in a peaceful and transparent electoral process can the true will of the people be expressed.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Kogi State remains peaceful and united after the elections.
The NSCF also implored all Kogi residents to remain law-abiding, not to take the law into their hands, and to always seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts.
