President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called for peaceful and orderly conduct in the federal and state legislative rerun elections holding today in Rivers State.

“The President urges all political parties, their candidates, other stakeholders and the people of the state to ensure that the polls are conducted without rigging, violence and intimidation of opponents and electoral officials,” his Spokesman Femi Adesina said in a statement issued in Abuja.

He added: “President Buhari reminds politicians and their supporters in Rivers State to put the higher interest of the people of the state in mind, as they go to the polls on Saturday.

“The rerun elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair to the extent that people will be killed, maimed and property destroyed in a mindless display of crude primitive instincts. Innocent blood should never be sacrificed on the altar of political contest for temporary power,” the President warned.

While calling on security and law enforcement agencies to exhibit professionalism and non-partisanship in the discharge of their constitutional duties even in the face of extreme provocations, President Buhari directed them to deal decisively with trouble-makers and those bent on violating the sanctity of the electoral process.

“He also enjoins the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do all within its powers to give transparency and fairness to the electoral exercise in Rivers State.

“The President restates the commitment of his administration to deepening democracy in the country by enthroning a legacy of respect for the wishes of the people through free, fair and credible elections devoid of intimidation and violence throughout the federation.”

•Photo shows President Buhari.