BY olasunkanmi akoni
LAGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has expressed his condolence to President Goodluck Jonathan, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi and families of those who lost their lives at weekend’s  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Fashola described the situation which resulted in the death of some persons and the sustenance of injuries by many others as very unfortunate. He said the kind of campaign envisaged in the present dispensation was a carnival-like rally, where ideas could be freely canvassed.

He said: “It is to the benefit of all of us that we guarantee peaceful electioneering campaigns where those who aspire to lead us would have the opportunity to tell us how they intend to do so. Our people must resist the temptation to resort to violence in any circumstance.

“The time has come when our campaign rallies should be a market place of ideas, where both those aspiring to lead and the electorate can exchange useful ideas and make valuable contributions to the development of our country.

“At the end of such rallies, everyone should be able to return home safely. Nothing can be achieved in an environment of chaos and confusion,” he added.

Fashola prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and urged organisers of campaigns and security agencies to always be on alert .