The forum which charged all party leaders to restrain spokespersons from escalating rude language and exchanges on social media and traditional media, also appealed to Nigerians to allow the judiciary carry out its responsibility under a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised concerns over rhetoric and exchanges which fuel tensions and negative dispositions that threaten inter-community relations in Nigeria.
The forum which charged all party leaders to restrain spokespersons from escalating rude language and exchanges on social media and traditional media, also appealed to Nigerians to allow the judiciary carry out its responsibility under a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
This was made known by the Director, Publicity and Advocacy of NEF, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in a statement signed in Abuja on Friday, reminding the judiciary that Nigerians look up to it to salvage democracy and restore the faith of Nigerians.
The statement partly reads: “At any rate, Nigerians should be reminded that our country must survive these elections and address the conduct of elections that have improved standards of quality as well as strengthen the foundations of our peaceful co-existence.
“Northern Elders Forum has sustained its decision to exercise responsible vigilance over the 2023 elections, and encourage emergence of leaders under credible, free and fair elections and a peaceful transition from the current administration to the next one.
“It has followed the conduct of the elections, some of which are still being planned or conducted.
“The Forum welcomes the decision of contestants who feel the elections had not met legal thresholds of acceptability to seek for adjudication over its credibility and settle other constitutional issues related to it.
“It is also concerned that leaders are not exercising enough responsibility to encourage respect for the judicial process, a key element of the electoral process, forum.”