Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has called for a peaceful electoral process as Nigerians take to the polls on Saturday, February 25 to elect a new President.
The icon of peace and democracy also urged teeming youths to shun violence, and avoid being used “as agents of destruction”.
In a statement put out on his social media platforms on Thursday titled: ‘Statement On The 2023 Election’, Jonathan advised electorates to exhibit the highest form of patriotism, dedication and selflessness.
“This is a historic week for our country, as citizens of voting age go out to cast their ballots this weekend to elect our next president and federal parliamentarians who will be expected to make laws for the common good of the land. The same exercise will be repeated for governorship and state houses of assembly in two weeks.
“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,” he stated.
The former Bayelsa State Governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other critical stakeholders in the country’s democractic process to be professional, civil, and non-partisan as they carry out their duties during this election. “This way, we can deepen citizens’ faith in our democratic process and minimize the likelihood of electoral violence,” he said.
“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.
“To politicians, this is a time to be circumspect in our actions and work towards consolidating our democracy. Power is sought and held in trust to be selflessly exercised in the interest of the people and seeking it at all costs negates this ideal and projects politicians in bad light.
“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,” his statement added.
