Osun election: SANs, others caution candidates against hate speeches

Others who cautioned the candidates included a former National Legal Adviser, Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Rafiu Balogun; and the NBA Chairman, Osogbo branch, Mr Ajibade Bamidele. The senior lawyers, in separate interviews with our correspondent on Thursday, appealed to the candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law before, during and after the election. Eleja, said, “The candidates should resist every act that could endanger the peace and tranquillity of Osun State during and after the election. They must be prepared to accept the result in good faith and if they must express displeasure over the result, then they should approach the tribunal instead of resorting to violence.” Similarly, Baiyeshea said, “The candidates and their supporters should all play by the rules of the games. Everybody wants to win but everyone cannot win. They should not be desperate. There should be no violence. They should just exercise restraint and be of good behaviour.” In the same vein, Balogun said, “If you violate the electoral law, which constitutes an offence under the Electoral Act, you should be prosecuted. What they now call vote-buying, in the law, attracts punishment. Winning should not be a do-or-die affair.” Meanwhile, Bamidele urged the candidates and their supporters to maintain decorum and observe all the electoral rules and regulations.]]>