The Kaduna State Peace Commission has appealed for cooperation and support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship and State House of Assembly election slated for March 18, this month.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission Dr. Saleh Momale appealed during a visit t o the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli on Wednesday in Zaria.
Momale said the commission was at the emirate council to strengthen its collaboration with the traditional institution and towards enhancing its mandate which is peace and harmony in the state.
“ We are approaching governorship and state assembly elections in the state; it is a challenging time for the commission.
“In the aftermath of the peaceful presidential and national assembly elections we saw the resurgence of ethno-religious and other divisive tendencies by a section of religious scholars and supporters of some candidates and parties.
“This created a red-flag, hence our engagements with traditional institutions, citizens of the state and other key stakeholders towards push these cohorts to refrain from such activities,’’ he explained.
Dr. Saleh Momale said the visit was to brief the emir in his capacity as the chairman Kaduna state council of chiefs of this negative development and efforts of the commission while seeking for his support towards addressing these challenges.
He added that the commission appreciates the royal father for his role during the peace accord for the Kaduna State Governorship candidates.
“Your message at the peace accord was a masterpiece for our campaigns; it was part of the success for the peaceful presidential and NASS elections in the state.
“Our visit was to say thank you for identifying with us,’’ Dr. Saleh Momale stressed.
In a remark, the Emir of Zazzau Malam Ahmad Bamalli commended the peaceful conduct of the eligible voters and residents during the last presidential and national assembly elections.
The royal father appealed to the people to respect the rule of law and conduct themselves well during the March 18 governorship and state house of assembly elections.
Bamalli who cautioned citizens against mixing politics with religious sentiments, advocated for more perseverance, tolerance and mutual respect among the citizens.
He, therefore, urged for harmonious and cordial relationships among the citizens stressing that there are a lot that unites Nigerians more than what divides them.
The Emir, also advised politicians to ensure that peace reign in Kaduna state and Nigeria at large.
COV/Ibrahim Suleiman
