The Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has issued a plea for a violence-free electoral process in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states scheduled for Saturday.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of democracy drawing its strength from the people, asserting that individuals aspiring for leadership roles should refrain from inciting violence. He stated, “A man who means well for his people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill the very people he wants to govern.”
Highlighting the significance of credible and transparent elections, he urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to uphold professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
In a statement released on Friday, Jonathan said: “As citizens of voting age in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States go to the polls for governorship election tomorrow, I urge all electorates and politicians to avoid violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner.
“Let us refrain from all activities that will jeopardize the collective peace and stability of our states and our country. A man who means well for his people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill the very people he wants to govern. Let me reiterate that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. Therefore, let us resist the temptation and inducements that may be deployed as agents of destruction,” he added.
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“For democracy to endure and be impactful, we must ensure that the leadership recruitment process, especially elections, are credible, transparent, fair and peaceful. I urge the electoral management body, security agencies and other stakeholders to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities during and after the election,” Jonathan emphasized.
“Democracy draws its strength from the people; let us work to strengthen the confidence of the people by ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to allow the people to choose their leaders peacefully. That way, our democracy will grow and become sustainable,” he concluded.