The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto State has called on aspirants from the various political parties in the state to allow for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.
The council, stated this in a communique issued at the end of its Congress in Sokoto.
The communique, jointly signed by Mr Dalhatu Abdullahi and Mr Muhammad Bello, Chairman and Secretary, respectively appealed to Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the process.
“Nigerians should come out to vote for the candidates of their choices at the polls and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the process.
“We appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do everything humanly possible in ensuring the 2023 elections are free, fair and credible,“ it said.
The council also urged the state governments to ensure that independent and major marketers in the states stop taking undue advantage of the shortages to hike the prices of the products.
“The petroleum marketers in Sokoto and other States should emulate the people-oriented mindset of Alhaji Ibrahim Adiya, operator of NNPC Mega station who in spite of the scarcity maintains the status quo.
“Adiya is the only operator in the state who supervises the sale and dispensing of petroleum products at the controlled prices and avoid irregularities at all times,“ it said.
The NUJ also warned members to remain apolitical and avoid the temptation of being used for blackmail and character assassination for undue favours from politicians.
“As the 2023 general elections draw closer, members should uphold the confidence reposed on them by the people, remain objective, embrace all and act professionally,” it urged.
