TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for peaceful elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

In a statement on Thursday, the president asked law enforcement agents to ensure that citizens are allowed to exercise their voting rights without intimidation.

He also said any attempt to steal ballots must be stopped with all legal means.

“All must carry out their functions with fairness and transparency; without let or hindrance and without fear or favour,” Buhari said in a statement Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, issued on his behalf.

“I call on voters in Bayelsa and Kogi States to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and in line with the law in all situations.

” Law enforcement officials must ensure that citizens are allowed to vote without harassment and intimidation and any attempt to steal or hijack ballots must be stopped using all legal means.

“In all democratic elections, there are bound to be winners and losers and the elections in Bayelsa and Kogi will not be different.

“All candidates should be ready to accept the outcomes and wherever they are dissatisfied, they should follow the due process of the law in seeking redress. There must not be a resort to self-help.”

The president wished the people of the two states a safe and credible exercise as they vote “in these historic and suspenseful elections” .