Patriotism fundamental for peaceful elections – Group

Patriotism and integrity have been identified as essential attitudes for peaceful elections in Nigeria.

Ms May Ikokwu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), anNGO, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Ikokwu who condemned the cases of violence and hate displayed by some politicians in the justconcluded elections, said such acts of animosity were alien to Nigerians.

She identified neighbourly love as part of Africa’s culture, saying it was foundational to building patriotism in politicians.

“Patriotism is a character trait that the ideal person would possess.

“Our culture teaches us to embrace good character and most importantly love for one another,” she said.

The culture advocate advised Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used against one another by politicians.

She explained that hatred and ethnic divisions were negations of Africa’s culture.

She also deplored the use of hate speech in social media, saying they do not foster unity in the country.

According to her, no well bred man or woman will like to plant seeds of hatred and discord among the same people he or she wants to rule.

Ikokwu, however, called for reorientation of politicians to begin to be patriotic for a united and progressive Nigeria.

She said that leadership must be built on love for one’s nation not on selfish aggrandisement.

The Culture Advocate called on new generation politicians not to toe the path of some older politicians whose actions threaten democracy and good governance. (NAN)

INEC declares APC Uba Sani winner of Kaduna guber poll

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared Senator Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Saturday governorship election in Kaduna State.

Declaring the result, Kaduna State Collation Officer, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis said Senator Uba Sani of the APC polled 7,30002 votes.

He said, Hon. Mohammed Isa Ashiru of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) scored a total of 719196 votes.

According to him, “Senator Uba Sani having scored the highest number of valid votes and met the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Hon. Mohammed Isa Ashiru Kudan won in 13 local government areas of Kaura, Sanga, Kajuru, Makarfi, Jaba, Jema’a, Zangon Kataf, Soba, Chikun, Kagarko, Lere, Kachia and Kudan.

The APC gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Uba Sani won only in 10 local government areas of Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Sabon Gari, Kubau, Zaria, Kaduna North,

Kaduna South, Igabi and BirninGwari.

The results as collated by INEC from the 23 local government areas are as follows:

Kaura LGA

APC: 7,748

LP: 12,950

NNPP: 618

PDP: 15,108

Giwa LGA

APC: 30,773

LP: 221

NNPP: 547

PDP: 28,869

Sanga LGA APC: 12,338

LP: 2,135

NNPP: 457

PDP: 13,119

Kajuru LGA

8,271

1,773