Shun violence in politics, Hon. Segelu warns politicians

As the 2015 general elections draw closer, an aspirant seeking to
represent Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of
Representatives on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has warned politicians to embrace
politics of ideas and shun violence or any act capable of endangering
the lives of the citizens they are aspiring to lead.

Hon Segelu gave the warning while reacting to the widely reported
violent clash between two opposing aspirants of All Progressives
Congress (APC) in the constituency which he attributed to political
intolerance, adding that such is not expected from politicians who
have genuine desire to serve their people.

It was reported that the clash between the two APC House of
Representatives aspirants who are currently members of the Oyo State
House of Assembly, Temitope Olatoye (alias Sugar) and Abiodun Adigun
Ahmed (alias Murphy) left no few than 10 persons seriously injured,
including popular Ibadan Fuji Musician, Rashidi Ayinde (alias Fuji
Merenge) on Wednesday evening.

Segelu, who is the youngest aspirant for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal
constituency seat and a political appointee in the National Assembly,
said irrespective of their party affiliations or interest, politicians
should learn to tolerate one another and lead by example through
exhibition of true concept of decency and respect for the sanctity of
human life.

The House of Representatives hopeful reiterated his call on the
electorate to vote for only candidates with impeccable character as
many aspirants, according to him, are only seeking political power to
use it as instrument to shield themselves from public scrutiny.

He noted that political contest should not degenerate into violence if
the players were truly pursuing the development of the society and the
people.

According to him, “it is only when you are into politics for selfish
reasons that you make it a do-or-die affair to the point that you
don't care how many people are being killed or injured just for you to
get the position you are looking for. The electorate must therefore
use their voting right well to ensure people who are in politics for
self-aggrandizement are not given the opportunity anymore.”

From Michael Jegede
Media Professional
Abuja