The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS)
on Thursday assured residents of the nation’s capital that security agencies are in full gear to protect the lives and property during the forthcoming Area Council Elections slated for 12th , January,2022.
Giving this assurance familiarisation tour to Bwari Area Council, the Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Ibrahim Dantsoho, warned that those who ferment trouble should stay away, in order not to face the full wrath of the law, while stressing that election was the bedrock of democracy in any nation through which the people express their constitutional rights.
According to him” “In few days to come Area Councils election will be coming onboard and FCTA will not want to have a single casualty or death. We must have a very free and well conducted election and free of any rancor because those participating or running for offices they all brothers and sisters irrespective of political differences. We must see ourselves as a family who are trying to build good governance.
“As a result of this , the Minister has warned that he will not be happy to see Council encouraging in any act of lawlessness as a result to this election. No matter how highly place the person is either as the incumbent Chairman, incoming Chairman or fresh starter if anyone is caught disobeing the law , the law will take it cost. It is expected that the Chairmen will do the needful and ensure that the election is peaceful within the Council and whoever emerges at the end of the 21th February election the government will be fair and willing to give all the maximum support” he added.
While speaking ahead of the February 12 Area Councils elections, the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya has warned that the only way he can guarantee a violence free election is , if relevant agencies involved in the process refrain from manipulating election results.
Gabaya who appealed to the FCT Administration to do all within its capacity to ensure that armed security agents do not trigger breach of peace by interfering in election processes, noted that the people of Bwari Area Council will resist any attempt to be intimidated at the polls.
He, however pledged his support to the FCT Administration’s efforts to ensure peaceful Area Councils’ elections come February 12.
According to him,”I want to assure you that as Bwari is concerned,there will be peace. However, l being the chairman today sir, one thing that will cause problem is when there will be manipulation.
“I want to pass this message to you sir, thank God l am contesting and l am saying it to the whole world, nobody should carry my vote and give to any other person and don’t carry somebody’s vote and give to me. That are the causes of crises during elections.
“There after, l want to say this with loud voice, and as a message to whoever is going to conduct the elections. The armed security men shouldn’t intimidate us concerning votes when we’re voting, allow us to vote. When you vote stay aside. We will rather die in Bwari than for some body to come and deprive us of our right. l will personally give my life for my people. We therefore want to tell you, is a promise that there will be peace when there is no compromise”
