Ahead of the February general election, a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged security agencies to ensure welfare and security of corps members mobilised by the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) ad-hoc staff.
Gowon also enjoined political parties to caution their supporters so as not to sow the seed of discord in the polity.
The octogenarian stated these yesterday in Abuja, while receiving the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General, Johnson Olawumi, who paid him a courtesy call in his residence.
He noted that the statement credited to supporters of some political parties were unwarranted, as it made him feel sorry for Nigeria’s political behaviour.
"I hope they will caution some of their extreme supporters, who are making extreme statement that enrages the other side, and before we know what is happening, we are in trouble. We are great people in every respect; sometimes, the way we behave towards one another is unbecoming. I was outside the country, but when I came back, the briefing I received made me feel very sorry. Threat by various groups, accusation and counter accusation, that is not done, we should embrace one another,” he said.
The retired General urged Nigerians to feel free in deciding whoever would lead the country for the next four years.
"We have two good candidates and let it be that it is the people that decide, it is their votes that must count. Let us accept the final decision which is from the INEC, it is the only authority. I will say to all Nigerians to go ahead and vote freely. Let us have peaceful election so that we can do our country right," he said.
He urged politicians and electorates to treat the corps members as their brothers and sisters.
"We need respected people like you in the society to help us to talk to politicians to talk to their supporters on the need to maintain violence-free poll," he said. (Thisdaylive)
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