Ahead of the general election on February 25, 2023, former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned politicians against hate campaigns, noting that such invectives could overheat the polity and snowball into violence and make nonsense of the polls.

Jonathan gave the advice during the commissioning of 1.15km Afi-Uko Ntighe Bridge in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State yesterday.

He said, “There are some levels of bitterness exhibited by politicians ahead of February elections. We have noticed some levels of bitterness that will not bring development in the build-up to the general elections.

“The security agencies should not shield any unfortunate miscreant or anybody who commits crime under the guise of politics. If you commit arson or any form of violence you must face the law. Nobody will hide under the cover of election to commit crime.”

Jonathan, who was accompanied to the event by former governor of Kogi State Capt Idris Wada (rtd) noted that development strides by governor Udom Emmanuel in the state was possible through sustainable peace, and urged Nigerians to replicate same peace in their various states during the elections.

Governor Emmanuel recalled that the inaugurated bridge was a fulfilment of his second term election promise to the people and warned critics to stop undue criticisms on the state expenditures as the federal government was still owing oil producing states outstanding refunds running into over N1 trillion.