2019: Nigeria can’t afford not to get it right ― Gani Adams

AGAINST the backdrop of next month general elections, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams on Tuesday said all hands must be on deck to ensure a smooth transition, saying “we cannot afford not to get it right.”

He underscored the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections with a view to avoiding plunging the nation into anarchy.

Adams who made these remarks during the celebration of 2019 Oodua festival in Ile-Ife maintained that the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria should be of paramount interest to all regardless of political, ethnic and religious inclinations.

According to him, “as we look forward to next month’s elections, I will not leave this podium without appealing to the electoral umpire to conduct a free, fair and credible election.

“This is a great moment in the life of our country and we need to get it right at all cost. We cannot afford to fail in the coming elections.

“As much as I seek a free, fair and credible election, I am also interested in making a case for restructuring. If we are to make any reasonable change in Nigeria, this country needs restructuring. Whatever name you may call it,” Adams asserted.

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He, however, averred that the celebration of Oodua festival was aimed at “preserving our heritage and upholding the Yoruba tradition.”

Adams continued, “for a very long time now, Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) has consistently promoted the true cultural heritage of our race.

“For me, our resolve to project the Yoruba cultural identity and tradition came out of our desire to ensure that the Yoruba race regains its lost glory.

“As a group comprising great sons and daughters of Oduduwa, OFF has an all-encompassing template, that allows us to celebrate special programmes, and festivals across all the states in the southwest and beyond.