- * Tasks Supporters On Violence-free Elections
By David Okpashi (Nasarawa State Correspondent, in Lafia)
In response to the alarm raised by the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police that thugs were being imported into the state ahead of this Saturday election, the State Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr John Mamman, has disassociated the party from the allegation.
The Party Chairman tasked party supporters to eschew violence and adhere to the new electoral law and the peace agreement signed by all the political parties in the state.
According to Dr John Mamman, the APC in Nasarawa state is confident that the party would win the Saturday polls convincingly, as according to him, it has delivered on its mandate and promises to the people of the state.
Speaking to Journalists at a press briefing to herald today's elections, Mamman advised those planning to ferment trouble or cause mayhem in the state to have a change of heart or face the wrath of the law, as the ruling party would not fold it's arms and watch the hard earned peaceful environment elude the state ..
According to him, the party is highly optimistic of winning the forthcoming general election, noting that it had put in place measures to guarantee a resounding victory in Nasarawa.
"We are set for today's general election that will usher in a new president of Nigeria.and federal lawmakers. The second election coming up in March will give us Governors and States Assembly members. We are all prepared for this elections," the party Chairman declared .
Mamman said the party had already trained 3,256 polling agents to man polling unit at various electoral wards in the state, adding that as part of the preparation for the poll to ensure hitch - free elections, the party has been meeting with stakeholders at various levels; political appointees, religious organisations, students and other allied associations.
"The fundamental reason for meeting with all the interest groups is to ensure that we have a hitch - free election devoid of violence and rancour. Election is not a do-or-die affair, so, we have been appealing to people, every sector we meet, to canvass for vote, to ensure the decency with which we play our democratic responsibility and role," he said.
The APC Chairman, however called on residents of Nasarawa state to come out en-mass to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation as security have been beefed up to secure adequate protection of lives and property in the state. NNL.