Election: Saraki Urges Politicians to Avoid Overheating the Polity

Saraki Cautions Politicians Against Overheating the Polity Ahead of Elections

Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged politicians and other political actors to avoid actions and statements capable of increasing tension in the country ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Saraki made the appeal on Wednesday while delivering his welcome address as the Senate resumed plenary following its Christmas and New Year break.

The National Assembly had adjourned on December 20, 2018, and resumed legislative activities on January 16.

According to Saraki, political leaders have a responsibility to help reduce tension by encouraging moderate and respectful political discussions during the election period.

He also called on the executive arm of government to respect the Constitution, particularly the principles of separation of powers, national unity and the welfare of Nigerians.

Saraki stressed that political power should be exercised in accordance with democratic principles and with restraint, especially during a sensitive election period.

He warned public officials against taking actions that could be interpreted as politically motivated or designed to favour particular interests.

The Senate President also emphasised the importance of respecting the judiciary as an independent arm of government, saying all political actors must avoid conduct that could threaten national peace and stability.

“Nigerians are looking up to leaders who will reduce tensions and prevent situations that could threaten the peace and well-being of the country,” he said.

Saraki urged his colleagues in the Senate to protect the integrity of the Constitution and ensure that service to Nigerians remained their primary responsibility.

He also called for civility in political campaigns, saying elections should be based on ideas rather than personal attacks.

Political candidates, he said, should communicate their programmes and policies respectfully while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric.

Saraki further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate allegations concerning the purchase of Permanent Voter Cards and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of the elections.

He called on INEC to engage political parties and other relevant stakeholders in dialogue to address concerns ahead of the polls.

According to him, every necessary step should be taken to guarantee free, fair and credible elections, while INEC should remain transparent in its decisions and assure Nigerians of its neutrality.

Saraki reminded Nigerians that the country would continue to exist after the elections and therefore urged politicians and their supporters to exercise moderation, respect and decorum.

He also reminded candidates that political contests should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, stressing that the ultimate decision on who should govern belongs to the electorate.

The Senate President encouraged Nigerians to participate peacefully in the elections and exercise their right to vote.

On legislative activities, Saraki assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to perform its constitutional responsibilities despite the increased political activities associated with the election season.

He urged senators to remain focused and ensure that the Eighth Senate successfully completed its legislative agenda.

Saraki noted that by the end of 2018, the Senate had passed 257 bills, many of which he said had the potential to improve the lives of Nigerians.

He said the legacy of the Eighth Senate would largely be determined by its legislative achievements and the foundations it laid for future development.

Saraki further urged lawmakers to focus on major challenges confronting the country, including unemployment, insecurity, lack of economic opportunities, the high number of out-of-school children, reconstruction of the North-East, insecurity in the North-West, girl-child education and improving economic productivity.

He stressed that lawmakers must rise above partisan interests and concentrate on policies and legislation capable of moving Nigeria forward.