We Should Forget About 2019 If Election Can’t Be Peacefully Conducted In One State – Buhari

BEVERLY HILLS, November 08, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has doubted the possibility of the successful conduct of general elections in 2019 if a peaceful election cannot be held in one state, stressing that the gubernatorial election in Ondo as well as the parliamentary rerun elections in Rivers will serve as a litmus test for the general elections in 2019.

The President, who lamented the rate of violence during elections, charged security agencies to make sure they guarantee violence-free elections in Ondo and Rivers states.

A statement issued by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, reports that Buhari made the statement at a state dinner in Benin, the Edo state capital, on Monday .

''What happened in the last elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers State disturbs me a lot. I think we should go beyond these actions. Why do we kill each other? Putting tyres on people and setting them ablaze.

''I have told the law enforcement agencies, if we can't conduct an election in one state then we should forget about 2019,'' Buhari said.

While acknowledging the role played by outgoing governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in ensuring the success of the APC in the last gubernatorial elections in the state, he challenged the Governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to continue in Oshiomhole's footsteps of providing purposeful leadership in terms of quality infrastructure, education and social services.

''The publicity your predecessor has given his performance is going to stretch you to the limit.

“Considering what he has down, you have to continue in his footsteps. We wish you the best of luck and will do our best to support you,'' the President said.

On the current economic challenges in the country, he assured Nigerians that his administration was working hard on diversification of the economy to limit the country's over-dependence on oil over the years.

According to Buhari, “This country has incredible mineral resources. All we need is to believe in ourselves so that we can have and leave a better Nigeria for our children and grandchildren.”