2023: Ooni urges INEC to conduct credible polls

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has admonished the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections in February and March this year to promote the nation’s unity and peace.

In a statement by his Directorate of Media, Moses Olafare, to commemorate the new year celebration, the monarch advised that whoever wins, based on the will of the masses in 2023, should be magnanimous in victory and make life comfortable for the poor masses.

He also said whoever losses should support the winner by ensuring that the dividends of democracy get to all parts of Nigeria.

He said: “2023 is the years that we will enthrone our leaders that will rule us for another four years. While we enter another electioneering moment, we beseech INEC to conduct free, credible and fair elections.

“Our youths remain the future and the glory of our dear nation. Therefore, they should desist from taking part in committing any illicit electoral acts, fraud, thuggery and carrying arms for any politician, as the case may be.”

Oba Ogunwusi added: “Our politicians should endeavor to run a peaceful campaigning atmosphere that is devoid of the shedding of blood as no ambition of any politician is worth the life of any Nigerian.

“Therefore, let the will of the people prevail by allowing them to exercise their franchise on Election Day. Equally, allow their votes to count as they make decisions in electing who controls their resources for the next four years.”