Ahead of the State and National Assembly re-run elections in Rivers State scheduled to hold on March 19, 2016, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to candidates of other political parties to dissuade their supporters from engaging in violence.

Abe said in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson: “We owe our people the moral responsibility as leaders, irrespective of our political affiliations, to ensure that our supporters shun all forms of violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.”

He enjoined all candidates to lend their voices to the campaign against political violence as this will go a long way to saving lives, which no man can create, and checking the excesses of party supporters.

The statement further condemned in its entirety the statement credited to the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, that officials of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) coming for the re-run polls should write their will, describing it as not only inappropriate but also unhelpful as that is a call to violence.

“I appeal to the candidates to be issue-based in their campaigns and discuss matters that benefit our people. Candidates should desist from indulging in character assassination, campaign of calumny, attrition and naked propaganda,” Abe stated.

He also called on the youths to refrain from making themselves willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians, who want to use them to perpetrate violence for their selfish aggrandisement while, their children are living comfortably and safe overseas.

“Let’s make a difference in this election,” the statement added.

•Photo shows Sen. Magnus Abe.