The Northern Traditional Rulers Council has expressed confidence in the ability of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to lead the electoral body by conducting free, fair and transparent elections ahead of the March 28 and April 11 polls.
Moreover, the northern rulers council said it would neither endorse the PDP presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, nor its APC opponent, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), for president.
The statement was made on Saturday by the Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, after the NTRC met in Kaduna on Wednesday to discuss the rising “social and political tension” in the country as the general elections approach.
The Chairman of the council, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the other traditional rulers in attendance noted that the country must conduct peaceful and credible polls.
“The council noted the dire need for the emergence of free, fair and credible elections and resolved to lend a helping hand to the statutory body established to oversee the conduct of the elections that is INEC. The council equally commended the good work being done by INEC under the able leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega and prayed for the success of INEC’s worthy assignment,” the NTRC said.
“As fathers of the nation and custodians of societal values, traditional rulers shall remain neutral and shall ensure that peace reigns. But the traditional rulers need the cooperation of the political leadership,” the statement said.
The northern rulers pointed out that they would do their part within the law to ensure politicians do not destroy the country in their desperation for power, adding that many citizens may have to bear the brunt of the crisis that may occur. Details on the Punch.
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