As Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its neutrality for the credibility of the polls.
The Chairman of the Council and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja who made the call during a press briefing at the Council’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said the credibility of the exercise depends on the way the electoral umpire handles it.
He emphasized that all eyes on now on INEC, including those of the international community to show that the body has gotten it right, saying that to do otherwise meant betrayal of confidence imposed on it by Nigerians.
The number one traditional ruler in the State also charged the electorates to show high sense of responsibility and conduct themselves in line with the electoral laws.
He tasked them to avoid all forms of violence during and after the elections, adding that no meaningful progress can be made in an atmosphere of rancor.
At the media briefing which had in attendance, all first and second class traditional rulers in the State, King Jaja also advised security agencies deployed to voting areas to exhibit high sense of professionalism in discharging their duties.
He charged particularly the army and police to remain neutral and not interfere with the electoral process in any manner, as such action may be perceived to be partisan.
On their part as royal fathers, King Dandeson Jaja gave assurance that the Council was willing to offer wise counsel for the success of the exercise if consulted.
“We shall not hesitate to work with the law enforcement agencies to identify and sanction any person or groups of persons who may constitute themselves into agents of disrupting the peace, if by their actions, they are found to be in breach of the laid down electoral laws governing these elections”, he said.
