Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola has called for peaceful polls instead of violent elections held in an atmosphere of fear come 2015.
The governor made his wish known during the Annual Thanksgiving service held at the State House.
He said, “I have chosen to speak about elections because they have become a major prayer point in the last few days heralding a new year. Many are afraid, and perhaps, understandably so.
“While elections are moments to savour, and make informed decisions and choices about the way forward in most parts of the world; we seem to have contrived to deny ourselves of the pleasure and fun that elections should bring.
“I remember in my re-election in 2011, it was a carnival and fun, a confident confrontation with the electorate and a family fiesta where even our children participated, because we worked hard and kept our promises.
“The question then to ask is why can this not be the case every time and everywhere? Why should we be moving soldiers and policemen in large numbers just because we are going to vote? Why should we be scared and very prayerful every election year?
“I have nothing against those who pray. What I quarrel with is prayer without effort. So let me say categorically that while we should pray, we must also do a lot of work to change the type of elections that we have into the type of elections that we want.
“That work is not government work. It is work that you and I will do.”