Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a message to the presidential candidates, contesting in tomorrow’s presidential election, urging them to do away with violence during the elections.
While advising the presidential candidates in a statement a day to the elections, the former president said they should do away with seeking seats of authority by all means; adding that it would put the country in a bad light.
He described this moment as a historic one and implored the voters to perform their civic responsibility and exhibit patriotism by choosing their representatives during the elections.
He added that it’s necessary that the people keep and maintain their freedom and dignity which are the purposes of democracy.
Jonathan said, “Let us eschew hatred and violence and display true sportsmanship, during and after the poll.
“The same exercise will be repeated for governorship and state houses of assembly in two weeks. It is a time that requires us all to exercise the highest form of patriotism in our nation-building journey and collective quest for peace and progress.
“Let us approach this election with devotion, dedication, and selflessness, by ensuring that we don’t jeopardize our country’s peace and unity as we exercise our franchise and pursue our political dreams and aspirations.
“In recent times, West Africa and few other nations in our continent have witnessed a crisis of democracy that has led to unconstitutional change of governments, which has derailed their democratic quest for peace and development.
“We must not allow our elections to be a source of violence and anarchy. We must desist from the temptation of yielding to those desirous of making our communities and states, theatres of conflicts for their selfish ends.
“Let us realize that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and deploy the instruments of governance towards advancement and improving the well-being of our people.
“We should strive to consolidate the gains we have recorded in our democracy in the last two decades by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, just, and fair,” he said.
“This way, we can deepen citizens’ faith in our democratic process and minimize the likelihood of electoral violence. To our youth, the future belongs to you; do not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence. Nigeria is yours to build.
“This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice; those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country.
“Finally, to all citizens, this is a moment of truth and courage. Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, power to make right choices, determine our future and shape our destiny.
“I urge you all to make your respective choices in the best interest of our land. Let us make our choices peacefully and respect the choices and rights of others,” he stated.
