Frontline Ijaw leader and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress, President Goodluck Jonathan and Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) respectively, not to engage in violence in their campaigns to win the February 14 presidential election.
Clark made the call on Monday when he received in audience, some members of the Northern Youth Movement for Change.
According to the elder statesman, the two aspirants remained illustrious sons of Nigeria, but urged them not to embark on campaign based on religion and tribe but on what they could do for the country.
Clark said, “Buhari and President Jonathan are our sons. They should fight a clean fight. No religious or tribal sentiments. They should know that no tribe can do it alone. No religion can do it alone”.
He said he was happy when he heard that Buhari went to Bayelsa State, where President Jonathan hails from and was able to campaign without molestation.
He also said the same atmosphere must pervade in all states of the federation for all the presidential aspirants.
Clark, however, expressed regrets that President Jonathan’s campaign vehicle and posters were being burnt in some parts of the country.
Clark said, “I am glad that you represent all the 19 northern states. You know when we met last, you reported to me on the illegal removal of campaign posters of Dr. Jonathan’s photographs from public places in Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, among others, and you condemned it.
“And since then, you must have heard of burning and destruction of campaign vehicles belonging to the PDP in an area occupied by certain group of people in Nigeria.
“This is sending out a wrong signal. It is clear that the opposition want to intimidate the PDP supporters into submission.
“I have said always that it is Nigerians through the ballot boxes that will decide the Presidential election and no amount of intimidation will make the PDP into succumb.
“I call on the law enforcement agents to address the situation immediately to the over-ambitious and mischievous politicians who place their interest above the interest of the country”.
Speaking earlier, the Leader of the delegation, Mr. David Glavda, said it would be wrong to describe President Jonathan as an enemy of the northern region.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate