From Francis Akinnodi, Ore

As the 2019 general elections  draw near  the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade has called on political parties in the country to stick to issue-based campaigns.

Oba Akinrinmade made the call in a chat with The Hope in his palace.

He said the nation needs a genuine development, which he says can only be achieved by God fearing and serious-minded leaders.

“As we are in the electioneering period I  urge political parties and their agents to stick to issue-based actions and campaigns,”he said.

Looking inward, the monarch called on the residents of the area to vote  according to  their consciences for the sake of development and future of the country.

His words, “They should not engage in vote selling as vote selling cannot reduce poverty in the society.

“Odigbo land needs more government presence in terms of human and infrastructural development. Our raw materials are wasting away; bitumen, rubber and others are here, so government should help in tapping these resources for human development”.

He noted that the electorates are determined to refocus the country on the path of true progress and development.

The traditional ruler urged politicians in the area to play the game according to the rules and abstain from character assassination, politics of hatred and violence.

He also advised them to go about their campaigns in a peaceful manner as the interest of the community was paramount to all residents of the area.