By David OC Onuoha
Nigeria will have a date with history a few days from now as the stage is set for the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. We congratulate all the candidates and their parties for working very hard to present their programmes to the populace. The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to keep his promise of the legacy of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. The electoral umpire itself the Independent National Electoral Commission is set to deliver an election that will meet the expectations of both the local and international communities.
What remains is for the citizens to troupe our on Saturday February 25 to exercise their franchise and right to elect their leaders for the next for years. This election is so crucial because it holds the key to the peace, progress and prosperity that this nation needs dearly to move forward. It can also take the nation on a downward slide to misery, pain and sorrow if we fail to get it right. The choice is ours to make.
The permanent voter’s card (PVC), is the power you have to make Nigeria work again. It is the tool you have to determine who manages the affairs of this nation for the next four years. Using it effectively without any coaction, inducement or primordial influence will surely usher the Nigeria of our dream where life is meaningful, peace prevails, love, progress, equity, Justice and fairness rule.
Any attempt to sell your conscience will surely make your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) become Poverty Validation Card (PVC) for you and your generation because the pittance you get from the sale of your Permanent Voter’s Card can only buy you poverty, hopelessness and sorrow. Vote wisely.
Nigerian youths are urged to intentionally drive the process for a credible election as a practical way of ensuring that their future is safe and secure. If they are tired of unemployment, frustration, helplessness and hopelessness, this is now the right time to make a difference and a change. Working to scuttle the election through promotion of insecurity in any form or shape, and doing odd jobs for disgruntled politicians, should not be contemplated. Rather the youths should organize themselves into a formidable citizens army to promote and protect the sanctity of this election in a very peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
Today is the tomorrow promised to the youths yesterday. They should therefore grab the opportunity to make a powerful statement by making effective use of their number, education, contacts, connection, spread and enlightenment to ensure that there is a positive change that will enable them realize their dream in life.
Any appeal to tribe, ethnicity, religion or party should be seen as the old gimmick that has held us down for years and should be intentionally discountenanced and jettisoned. Character, competence, capacity and pedigree should be the parameters that will guide the choice of candidates to vote for.
If service is the main motive for seeking electoral offices, politicians should then be disposed to respect the wishes of the people by accepting the results without bickering and attempt at inciting violence and unrest. It is the duty, responsibility and obligation of INEC to ensure that the results of the elections reflect the wishes of the people as freely expressed in the ballot. This is the surest way of preventing or minimizing post election disputes and contests.
May God be pleased to give us a new Nigeria that is truly the pride of Africa and the black race.
MOST REV DR DAVID O. C ONUOHA IS PRESIDENT CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF NIGERIA.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
