Ahead of the Kogi State gubernatorial elections scheduled for November 16, 2019, an Abuja-based NGO and sociocultural group of Kogi indigenes, Ohiku Youth Development Foundation (OYDF) has called on politicians and political interest groups to prioritise peace and ensure compliance to the rules, adding that the peaceful coexistence of the people of Kogi state is of utmost concern.
The association made the call on Tuesday, in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of its Abuja Chapter.
The communique which was signed by the Chairman, Hassan Salihu said: “Having assessed and evaluated the political situation in Kogi Central Senatorial District and Kogi state in general, Ohiku Youth Development Association urges all the stakeholders and political leaders in Kogi to play the game of politics according to the rules and regulation stipulated in electoral act 2010 as amended.”
The chairman explained that the Act stipulates the code of conduct applicable to the upcoming gubernatorial elections in the state, scheduled for November 16.
“We also appeal to opinion leaders, religious, traditional, political leaders to preach peace to their followers before, during and after the election.”
He commended Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for “striving very hard to ensure adequate security across the three senatorial districts of the state.”
“In addition, we recognize and appreciate the unequal tremendous achievements of His Excellency, the executive governor of Kogi state, Alh. Yahaya Bello, particularly in the areas of security, Agriculture and infrastructural developments cut across the three senatorial district in the state,” the group added.