From Faruk Abubakar, Jalingo

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has appealed to religious leaders to concentrate on peaceful sermons to have free and peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election in Taraba state.

The Chairman of a civil organisation the Initiative for Community and Human Development, Yahuza Ahmed Magaji made the calls in Jalingo on Saturday.

He said the call became necessary because the issue of religion has come to the fore in political activities in the state.

According to him, the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state is tense and competitive hence there is a need for religious leaders to concentrate on peapeaceful sermons that would encourage mutual understanding among followers of different faiths.

He cautioned religious leaders to avoid inciting their followers and all acts capable of triggering violence during and after the election. 

He disclosed that civil society organisations are doing their best through advocacy to ensure peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election.

He also expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, adding that it was hoped that the conduct of the gubernatorial election will be peaceful in the state. 

Yahuza Magaji also appealed to the media in the state to join hands in the campaign for a violent free election.