Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has called on Nigerians to avoid actions capable of provoking one another and leading the country to another conflict.
Mr Abiodun made the call during a special church service to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
The governor urged Nigerians, fond of beating the drum of war, to desist from such as the general elections drew closer.
“Let me call on all of us that we must do everything possible to ensure that we avoid actions capable of provoking one another and leading us to war or any other conflict.
“For people constantly beating the drum of war, let us stop it and ensure that we do not do anything to overheat the polity, particularly as we prepare for the forthcoming general elections,” he said.
Mr Abiodun noted that his administration had, in the last three-and-a-half years, lowered the political temperature in the state and allowed all political parties to go about marketing their franchise.
He, however, appealed to Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections in the country’s overall interest.
The governor, who also called on youths in the country to shun all acts of violence and thuggery, urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards were not used as political thugs during the elections.
“We must ensure that we participate in this electoral process; we’ve been advised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has now made the permanent voter cards (PVCs) available at different wards.
“We enjoin you to please go and collect your PVCs because, without them, you will not be able to exercise your franchise,” he said.
Mr Abiodun stressed that his administration would continue to remember the fallen heroes by supporting them through the Nigerian Legion.
He called on good-spirited individuals and organisations to support the families left behind by the country’s fallen heroes.
In his message, Bishop of United African Methodist Church, Ijemo, Abeokuta, Noah Olabisi, described January 15 as a date set aside to remember the great men and women who paid the supreme price while defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
(NAN)
