The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has called on all the candidates for the next month’s elections in the state and the people of the state to stay away from any act that can lead to violence during the elections.While receiving the United States Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, at the state secretariatin Ibadan on Wednesday, the governor pledged to maintain the peace before, during and after the elections in the state.Hawkins, who led a team of US embassy officials on a courtesy visit to the governor, said the team was in the state to discuss issues relating to politics and governance, adding that this was a critical period inthe history of Nigeria.Ajimobi, who thanked Hawkins and his team for the visit said, “We laboured hard to ensure the enthronement of the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the state today. Our administration has received a lot of commendations for this feat and we cannot afford to sit by and allow anybody to truncate the hard-earned peace and tranquility.“Let me also use this opportunity to make a passionate plea to my fellow contestants to go about their campaign without violence. They should not unleash violence on the same people we are aspiring to govern for whatever reason.”Ajimobi commended the US for helping to nurture the country’s democracy, the latest of which he said, was the recent visit to Nigeria by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, over the forthcoming presidential election.In his comment, Hawkins said that the US expected free and fair elections in Nigeria next month.“It is very important for this election to be peaceful. The poll should reflect the wishes of Nigerians. We look forward to a great contest where the people would get the leadership they desire. My Secretary of State had earlier stressed the need for free, fair and credible polls that would reflect the wishes of Nigerians. The US will continue to look for ways of helping our Nigerian partners to ensure a successful election,” he said.
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