By Chioma Onuegbu

Uyo—Paramount Ruler of Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Edidem Nyong Obop, has advised politicians and the different political parties to adopt peaceful politicking as they traverse the local government areas of the state soliciting for votes in the forthcoming general elections.

Obop, who gave the advice during an interaction with newsmen, weekend, at his palace, said politicians must understand that winning an election must not be a do or die affair.

He frowned at the ongoing campaigns that have been dominated by calumny, character assassination, and blackmail, thereby creating tension and heating up the political atmosphere, adding that for the state and country to achieve a credible and violence free elections, peaceful campaigning should be the watchword.

He said: “Politicians should learn that they must play politics in peace and not in pieces. It is not a do or die affair for someone to win in an election. I don’t like the character assassinations and blackmails being employed by politicians and political parties in their ongoing campaigns.

“So, my advice and prayer is that they should carry out politicking in peace. And my advice goes to all of them including the political class in Ikono council. It is my responsibility as the Edidem of Ikono to ensure that there is calm, objectivity, and peace before, during and after the elections.

“So, I am making sure that I achieve those parameters in my domain in the coming general elections.”