As Plateau prepares for the Oct. 9 Local Government polls, Gov Simon Lalong has advised groups, individuals or political parties with grievances over the process to use legal channels to seek redress.
Lalong gave the advice on Friday in Jos while inspecting parades by paramilitary agencies, school children, among other groups, organised as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 61st anniversary.
He said that legal channels were the best route to justice instead of resorting to incitement or destructive tendencies.
“I wish to appeal to all citizens, political parties and their followers, as well as leaders of thought across the state, to work toward peaceful exercise.
“Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders have promised to be fair to all contestants and political parties.
“Let us go out there to freely choose those we want to govern us at the grassroots level without any molestation.
“Our democracy will not only guarantee good governance, but ensure that our development flourishes,” he said.
Lalong said that government would not allow anyone to foment trouble or disrupt the electoral process.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to be on alert and deal with individuals or groups who attempt to disturb public peace before, during and after the elections.
Lalong added that the 2021 independence celebration came at a time when the nation was
going through so many challenges in virtually every sector, but urged Nigerians not to despair.
“We should, rather, see the situation as a challenge, and mobilise everyone to do everything possible to remove impediments that are stumbling blocks to national growth,” he said. (NAN)
