Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker of the House of Representatives, has expressed worry that the recent rising violence could scuttle the February and March elections.

The lawmaker noted on Tuesday at the resumption of the House seating for the 2023 legislative session in Abuja that as the country’s general election approaches, there has been a marked increase in violence and vicious attacks on political actors in parts of Nigeria.

“We must unite to ensure this dangerous trend does not lead to circumstances that threaten the forthcoming elections. The quality of the political conversations in society, particularly in the lead-up to elections, is a determining factor in the electoral outcomes and the quality of governance that will result therefrom,” said Mr Gbajabiamila.

The speaker commended the Nigerian military for taking risks and offering supreme sacrifice to keep the peace, saying, “They are the best of us, to whom we owe not only our gratitude but also our continued dedication to the offices we hold.”

Mr Gbajabiamila stressed that the security and welfare of the people should be the primary purpose of government, adding that with this, the constitution obligated all to protect the lives and property of citizens.

He said there was a need to adopt politics of accommodation and brotherhood and that the government should ensure that no security challenge was allowed to threaten the country’s peace.

“This is our constitutional obligation and a moral duty from which we must not deviate,” he said.

The speaker said over the last few appropriation cycles, the dire conditions of the national finance required significant borrowing to finance government operations.

“This requires sustained investments in infrastructure and national security, as well as improved living conditions of the people. Just as the Ninth assembly has reformed the appropriations process to ensure timely budget passage, we also intend to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability as a standard for the future,” he explained.

Mr Gbajabiamila added, “Therefore, as part of preparing our reports, we must make a deliberate effort to give a complete account of our oversight activities in the Ninth House of Representatives.”

(NAN)