FCT monarch sues for peace, sportsmanship over council polls

The Ona of Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Adamu Inusa, has sued for peace among candidates and their supporters in Saturday’s council elections in the territory.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after casting his vote, Inusa urged all parties in the election to take its outcome in good faith.

“Leadership is a call to service and not a do-or-die affair. Power belongs to God, who gives it to whomever He pleases.

“This is how contestants and their supporters should see this election.

“The winners should be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of fellowship to the losers, while the losers on their part should take the outcome in good faith,” he said.

The traditional ruler, who is the Chairman, Traditional Council in the FCT, expressed optimism that the outcome of the poll would be devoid of violence.

“I don’t think we are going to have any problem because as you can see, the whole place is calm.

“I held a meeting with the candidates in my palace and they all agreed to keep the peace, and I have confidence that they will keep to their promise.”

The monarch said that the exercise had so far been peaceful in Abaji, except for reports of malfunctioning or failure of card readers in some polling units.

“There were reports of card readers malfunctioning in some polling units, resulting in complaints by the voters but there is calm now.

“I sent a message out to them to be patient with the electoral officials.

“I have been going round to see whether my message was delivered, and it has been delivered based on what I have seen. So, there is no problem,” Ona said. (NAN)