The National Orientation Agency in Taraba State has warned politicians and their parties against using hate speech and defamatory language during campaigns for the upcoming local government council elections. This warning was issued by the state’s NOA Director, Mallam Zakaria Muhammad, at the launch of a voter education campaign ahead of the November 8 polls.

The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled the elections to take place across the state’s 16 local government areas. According to Muhammad, it is crucial for campaign messages to be straightforward and guided by democratic principles, avoiding personal attacks on opponents or parties. He emphasized that elections should not be seen as a matter of life and death, and urged candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome peacefully or seek legal redress if necessary.

Muhammad highlighted the importance of voter education in ensuring that citizens are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities during the election. He called on all residents of Taraba to turn out to vote peacefully and responsibly. The NOA director also assured the public that the agency would continue to engage with key stakeholders, including security agencies, media, traditional and religious leaders, and youth groups, to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission has been commended for its efforts in preparing for the election, with Muhammad praising the commission’s transparency. The NOA has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the entire process to ensure credibility. Additionally, Governor Agbu Kefas has been lauded for his commitment to democratic governance, particularly his decision to end the era of caretaker leadership at the local government level.

By ensuring timely local council elections, Governor Kefas has demonstrated compliance with constitutional provisions and helped restore public confidence in grassroots governance. The upcoming elections are significant, as they mark an important step in the state’s democratic process. With the warning against hate speech and the emphasis on voter education, the state is taking steps to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. As the elections approach, the focus will be on maintaining stability and upholding democratic principles in Taraba State.