Put National Interest Above Yours – NOA Tells Politicians

By Abdallah el-Kurebe
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on politicians in the country to put national interest above theirs as the 2015 general elections approach.
At its state-wide voter and civic education campaigns held in Sokoto on Tuesday, the Sokoto state Director of the Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Danchadi said that some of the nation’s politicians were far
from being patriotic, a situation he said, that explains why they place their interest above that of the nation.
“It is not surprising therefore, that they regard politics as a do or die affair and not as a game to be played with the spirit of give and take, but rather to be fought with all weapons to be won at all costs.
“These groups of politicians do not know that in any contest there must be a winner and a loser, and that there is always a second chance,” he said.
Danchadi added that the objectives of the programme include voter education in order to curb voter apathy and the need for free, fair and transparent elections.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, (Political), Alhaji Malami Ladan, the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada appealed to Nigerians to do everything possible to keep Nigeria’s democracy alive.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Husseini Mahuta represented by the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Muhammed Musa stated that political violence was inimical to Nigeria’s democracy.
Caretaker Chairman of Sokoto North local government, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim said that his administration would liaise with the state government, INEC, NOA, security agencies and other stakeholders to make 2015 elections hitch-free.
“The votes of the electorate will surely count in 2015 but Nigerians must vote with their conscience,” Ibrahim said.