PDP lawmaker in Lagos urges peace

A Lagos State lawmaker,

Idimogu (PDP-Oshodi/Isolo) made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that peaceful conduct of the elections was important to give the residents representation in government.

NAN reports that the rerun was sequel to court nullification of the elections of some senators, members of the House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly in the 2015 general elections in Rivers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had organised a rerun on March 19 but the polls were cancelled in six local government areas over violence and irregularities.

The inconclusive elections, which were subsequently rescheduled for July 30, were postponed over tension before they were fixed for Dec. 10.

The lawmaker said: “It is not good that people from the state hinder themselves from having representatives at the National Assembly as well as the state assembly.

“I look forward to a peaceful election. Rivers people should give peace a chance. Election is not a do-or-die affair.

“Let politicians and their followers consider the interest of the ordinary people.

“The state has suffered much of non-representation. All stakeholders should give room for peace. Whatever it is, let there be peace.”

Idimogu urged the residents and politicians to take cue from the Nov. 8, U.S. election.

The legislator commended the senate for mandating INEC to conduct the polls.

He urged the electoral body to conduct credible elections that Nigerians would be proud of.

“INEC should be able to manage all challenges causing inconclusiveness of elections and ensure it declares the rightful winners,” the lawmaker said.