By Idris Olukoya
Mr Ahmed Seriki, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to act peacefully before, during and after the party’s primaries.
Seriki made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday
He urged party members and supporters to shun acts capable of causing violence and division ahead of the party’s primaries and general elections.
The commission chairman urged politicians and their supporters to be civil in their engagements,especially on social media.
“Freedom of speech is allowed in any democratic system of government, but the freedom should not be abused,” he said.
According to him, political campaigns should not become avenues for personal attacks, blackmail, insults and character assassination.
Seriki said freedom of speech must be exercised responsibly.
“Members and supporters should canvass politely and avoid inflammatory statements capable of causing division, hatred or unnecessary tension within the APC and society at large,” he said.
He cautioned against spreading false information and engaging in online harassment or deliberate attacks against political opponents.
Seriki stressed the need for issue-based campaigns and constructive political engagements among party loyalists and supporters.
He urged party members to promote democratic values instead of engaging in cyber-bullying and hate-driven narratives.
He added that political differences should not destroy relationships or threaten the peace and stability of the party and the nation.
Seriki urged stakeholders, youth groups and supporters to uphold discipline and mutual respect before, during and after the primaries.
He said peaceful conduct remained essential for strengthening democracy and sustaining political harmony.(NAN).