30th March, 2011
Few days to the April, 2011 general elections, the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has praised the fairness of the media in coverage and reportage of electioneering campaigns of the various political parties canvassing for votes at the polls.
The chairman, National Caretaker Committee Basiru Olanrewaju, said at the take off of the union’s fifth Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the media deserved commendation for the almost balanced coverage of political activities and campaigns.
He, however, called for vigilance from both the media and security agencies in order to nip possible rigging and the attendant crises during the polls in the bud.
“The media, security agencies, labour unions and civil society organisations must remain vigilant and ensure that not only do our votes count, but be battle ready to jointly confront any attempt at post election violence,†Olanrewaju cautioned, adding, “the pro-active actions by various security agencies at stemming the tide of political violence is commendable.â€
The NULGE boss expressed worry at what he described as casino-type democratic environment prevalent in the country, which, according to him, has gulped much capital with high expectations of bountiful returns but with little dividends for its investors which are the citizens.
In his remarks, the Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, reminded the delegates to be mindful of the upcoming elections and contribute their quota towards its success, while urging contestants in the polls to imbibe the spirit of good sportsmanship and refrain from acts of incitement that could heat up the polity and result in violence.