Former President Goodluck Jonathan has charged politicians and their supporters to eschew violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

Jonathan noted that democracy draws its strength from the people, saying a politician who means well for the people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill those he wants to govern.

The former President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities during and after the elections.

He said this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Reiterating that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen, Jonathan said: “As citizens of voting age in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States go to the polls for governorship election tomorrow, I urge all electorates and politicians to avoid violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner.

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“Let us refrain from all activities that will jeopardize the collective peace and stability of our states and our country.

“A man who means well for his people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill the very people he wants to govern. Let me reiterate that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. Therefore, let us resist the temptation and inducements that may be deployed as agents of destruction.

“For democracy to endure and be impactful, we must ensure that the leadership recruitment process, especially elections, are credible, transparent, fair and peaceful.

“I urge the electoral management body, security agencies and other stakeholders to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities during and after the election.

“Democracy draws its strength from the people; let us work to strengthen the confidence of the people by ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent.

“It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to allow the people to choose their leaders peacefully. That way, our democracy will grow and become sustainable.”

The Star