The Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, on Tuesday disclosed that some contestants because of their past are not qualified to be running for public offices in the February general election.
Aliyu made the declaration in Minna when he received the Igbo community in Minna, led by the Eze Ndigbo, Ngozi Pampas Wahiwe, and the Angas community in the state capital, led by Bitrus Simon, as well as members of the International Republican Institute of the United States of America.
Aliyu said the candidates should rather bury their heads in shame instead of going to the electorate to seek for their votes.
He however advised voters that in next month’s election, they should be wary of those they will cast their vote for because, according to him: “These are set of politicians who could repeat what they have done in the past.
“We are not prepared.
“We need an equitable society.
“Some people are not supposed to be running for public offices because of their past.
“They should bury their heads in shame.”
Aliyu said that many candidates are also contesting the 2015 general elections because they see politics as the easiest way to make money.
He said: “If you want to be rich, go to the market to do business, not to seek public office, which is for service to the people.”
Aliyu said the ongoing campaigns by political parties candidates are not addressing the main issues concerning Nigerians and advised that the issue of indigene and non indigene should be the major focus of the campaigners if the country is to become more united.
The governor condemned the violence associated with the campaigns in some parts of the country. pointing out: “We must encourage our youths to be positive.
“They must protect government investments in their areas.
“We should play politics on equal basis.
“Nobody should destroy posters and bill boards of candidates.”
Aliyu disclosed that security operatives in the state have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone caught defacing or destroying political posters and bill boards.
Governor Aliyu assured all residents of the state of the security to their lives and property during and after the election.
Earlier, the two community leaders had honoured the governor with the titles of the “Peace Maker of Niger State”.
—