The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, has enjoined residents to ensure a peaceful general election in the territory, as the nation enters the New Year.
The minister made the call in a New Year message addressed to residents of Abuja, which was obtained by our correspondent on Saturday.
Bello, who recalled his New Year message of 2022, where he urged residents to participate peacefully in the Area Council elections, urged residents to again ensure peace and unity during the February 25, 2023 general election. He added that residents must resist attempts to cause disharmony and disaffection in the territory.
“On behalf of the FCT Administration, it is my honour and immense pleasure to wish all residents of the FCT a very happy and prosperous New Year. As we begin our journey into 2023, which holds a very important place in the democratic development of our country, I wish to applaud residents of the territory for your exemplary conduct not only in our collective quest of building a befitting capital territory for our country, but also for holding true to the principles of unity and peaceful co-existence which is the foundation on which the FCT is grounded.”
“Exactly a year ago, in my 2022 New Year message, I enjoined residents of the territory to participate actively in the Area Council elections. I once more commend you all for abiding by the democratic and lawful processes in the election of the council chairmen. Once again, I call on all of us, in the same spirit of peace, unity and togetherness, to participate in the 2023 general election coming up next month.
As residents of the FCT, we are obliged to live up to the ideals of the founding fathers of the territory as a place where every Nigerian can call home. We must, therefore, collectively resist any attempt to cause disharmony and disaffection within our ranks. Elections in the FCT have always been peaceful. Let us ensure that the upcoming 2023 polls also reflect this.”
The FCT minister also commended residents for their understanding with the infrastructure and development initiatives of the FCTA, while also calling for their cooperation in further efforts in removing illegal structures and settlements, to ensure the sanctity of the Abuja Masterplan.
Bello also warned residents against the destruction and theft of public infrastructures, and enjoined residents to treat government property as personal property and protect government assets.