Ahead of the February elections, the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, on Sunday appealed to non indigenes in the state not to entertain fear of pre- and post-election violence to run away from their homes.
Aliyu assured the people during his remarks at the 25th anniversary of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Faith Parish, Minna, that the government would do everything possible to protect lives and property.
He said: “I therefore appeal to all of us not to leave Niger State because the fear of election violence.
“By the grace of God, we will do whatever is necessary to protect the lives and property of the people.
“Don’t in the process of trying to run away from a particular place and go and cause more problem for yourself on the way or in the area you are running to.”
Aliyu noted that there was a national issue in the country where people tried to escape what they considered dangerous and died in accidents.
He said: “”Please do not run away out of fear because when you run away, wherever you run to, you are going to cause tension there.
“The people of your community will believe that there is insecurity where you are coming from and then retaliation may commence.”
The governor said the politicking of the 2015 general election has created more tension than any other election held in the country.
He said: “The election period is becoming more tensed than other elections we have had in the country.
“We must therefore be very careful not to allow the young boys drag us into problems that we may not be able to get away from.
“We must not allow our desire and whims and caprices to cause problems and you must not kill yourself for anybody as a result of partisan politics.”
The governor, who was honoured for the good services he rendered to the state, urged the people of the country to ensure the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections come February 2015.
He said: “”We must have 2015 elections in a peaceful manner.
“We must be ready to accept the results of the elections whichever way it goes.
“We believe that is God’s will for us.”
Aliyu appealed to politicians not to provoke their neighbours because they are members of different political parties.
He explained that the essence of democracy lies in the right to choose and the right to be different from other people.
He said: “Please let us preach peace.
“Let us preach the right of people to vote whoever they want to vote.”
Earlier, Pastor Kolajo Sanya, the Pastor in charge of the RCCG in Niger State, said the church honoured the governor in recognition of his meritorious service to the people of the state.