The Northern Elders Council, NEC, has told politicians to stop heating the polity, more importantly, leave their traditional rulers out of political tricks. The council kicked against derogatory and swear words being used by politicians on one another all in the build-up of the 2015 general elections, which is drawing closer.

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Chairman of the council, said “We are also concerned that some politicians are making subterranean moves to drag our revered traditional rulers into political controversy. We would like to sound a word of caution against such acts.

“The security challenges caused by Boko Haram and other ethno-religious crisis in the North as well as violent crimes of kidnapping and armed robberies in other parts of the country pose a serious challenge to the nation, including wide spread poverty and unemployment.

“In an effort to find lasting solution to this national malaise, there have arisen mutual distrust and suspicions leading to utterances by some people capable of affecting the standing, respectability and unity of the North in particular and the country in general.

“The founding fathers of our nation manifested tact, wisdom, courage and moderation in their conduct of public affairs. They had tackled major challenges without inflammatory and inciting statements with wisdom and maturity.

“Our collective responsibility is to continue to build a united and prosperous nation. That is why it is necessary for all men of honour and goodwill to reject anybody purportedly speaking for and on our behalf; who makes inciting, divisive and provocative statements capable of undermining our national unity and democracy.”