2023 POLL: Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom tasks politicians, electorates on peaceful elections
…Warns against violence during elections
23 FEBRUARY 2023, OPOROZA – The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, has called on Nigerians to come out enmass and vote for their preferred candidates in an atmosphere of peace and unity, ahead of the Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.
He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence during the elections.
This was contained in a statement dated Thursday, February 23, 2023, which was personally signed by him and made available to GbaramtuVoice at his palace in Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta state.
According to the Niger Delta first class monarch, voting in an election is not only a constitutional right but an obligation that every citizen must participate in.
ALSO READ: 2019: Politics is not do-or-die affair, Pere of Gbaramatu tells aspirants
While calling on the people of his kingdom and the entire Nigerians to eschew bitterness and other mundane considerations in approaching the elections, the monarch stated that violence has no place in every electoral process and therefore should be avoided by all.
In his words; “The Saturday February 25 and March 11, general elections in the country have again provided Nigerians a very wonderful window to select as leaders those that will assist pilot the affairs of this great nation. This opportunity must not be thrown away for any reason.
“I urge you to remember that violence has no place in development and must be avoided in this coming electoral exercise in the country.
“We must in like manner reason above mundane considerations such as ethnic and religious inclination and other pecuniary gains. We must shun instant gratification mentality and other actions and inactions inimical to the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country.
Speaking further, Oboro-Gbaraun II, stressed that for Nigerians to build the nation of their dreams, they must start by voting for the right people.
While he called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, the Pere of the great Gbaramatu kingdom urged politicians, particularly the public officers to play the ‘game’ according to rules.
‘’I therefore call on you to play politics of decency; I invite you to maintain decorum that befits the office you seek. You cannot be violent and expect people to address you as ‘’His Excellency’’ or very ‘’Distinguished Senator or Honourable Member of the House of Representatives”. Violence should not be the part of seeking these positions.
In a similar vein, the first class monarch called on the media, the law enforcement officers to be alive to their responsibilities in this critical moment of the nation’s existence.
The media professional must enlighten the people about the candidates’ sterling or dented reputations. The law enforcement officers particularly, men of the Nigerian Police Force must take every legitimate and democratic step to safeguard the lives of the electorates,” he concluded.
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
