The Northern Traditional Rulers Council Assembly (NTRCA) has warned that kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, farmer-herder clashes and other forms of crimes might hamper the conduct of the general elections.

It also urged politicians to honour the signed peace accord, saying this would reciprocate President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to ensure free and fair polls.

In a communiqué signed in Sokoto yesterday by the coordinating committee chairman and Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan, they described the election year as crucial, noting that people all over the world are watching Nigeria.

The rulers, who had just concluded their fifth general assembly, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its preparations, resolving they would assist the agency to achieve its goals.

The council appealed to the executive and legislative arms of government to provide adequate funding and other relevant needs for a successful conduct of the exercise.

It decried the rising level of hate speeches, bickering and vote buying. It also regretted the use of youths as political thugs and appealed to parents to monitor their wards.

•Excerpted from The Guardian report