As the 2019 general elections draw nearer, the President-General of Yoruba Community in 19 Northern states, Dr. Jimpat Aiyelangbe has called on politicians to play by the rules of the game so as to avoid the plunging country into unwarranted violence that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
Aiyelangbe who is also the President of Ethnic Community Leaders in Kano (ECLAK), urged Nigerians to resist being drawn into unnecessary ethnic conflicts by unpatriotic politicians who are bent on destroying the unity and of the country for their quest grab power by all means.
According to him, “As we prepare for the 2019 elections, I implore all politicians to play the game with the fear of God by eschewing those societal ills that could drag the country into chaos
“I want to seize this opportunity to caution Nigerians, including both the religious and political leaders to shun hate campaigns and hate speeches.”
Dr. Aiyelangbe who is also the Medical Director of Lafia General Hospital, however, identified lack of equity and lack of employment opportunities among the youths as the basic reasons for violence and hate speech in the country.
Aiyelangbe insisted that, “Inequity in employment opportunities among the youths directly leads to hate speech and violence. Peace is equity and the greatest manifest of violence among youths is unemployment. Credible employment opportunities can bring and restore peace in the country.”
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, adding that, “President Buhari is a firm and resolute leader who is thorough and fearless in his crusade against corruption. So, there is need for us to give him support to succeed.”
He also hailed Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for ensuring peace and harmony among various ethnic groups in the state, pointing out that the recent title awarded to him by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers was well-deserved.
Aiyelangbe further stated that, “I commend His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11, the Sultan of Sokoto and other Emir’s in the 19 northern states in the country for their leadership qualities and, love for other ethnic nationalities resident in the North.”
