Ensuring our elections are not violent

We have said it time and time over that the manner in which we conduct elections in our country is disturbing. Since 1999, and even before, we have had so many challenges when it comes to conducting elections. Many have lost their lives and this is disturbing because we have not moved away from this disturbing trend. It is quite fruastrating that we have tried as much as possible without moving away from this painful reality.

In developed climes, citizens look forward to election periods since they are afforded the opportunity to take stock of the outings of their representatives. Unfortunately in Nigeria, our money politics has continued to threaten the essence of our unity. This is sad and something drastic must be done to stop this.

It is most shameful to find politicians threatening themselves and employing thugs to inflict bodily harm and in many instances snuffing the life out of their opportunities. Till date, the casualties of the 2011 general election are still counting their losses. As we enter into the 2019 general election, we should have a total change of heart especially as regards the unity of our country. We have no other home: not in Africa, not in another part of the world. Nigeria belongs to us all and we must do all to ensure that we do not disolve it.

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The Ekiti and Osun elections are before us. The body language of politicians and their followers is disturbing. Our security agents must not be partisan. They must ensure professionalism as much as they can. This is not only important but doable. Religious leaders including traditional rulers must ensure that they so all they can to ensure that our country’s unity is top on their agenda. No political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian. This has been repeated many times over and must be taken seriously.

We have a future to protect; our children should meet a better Nigeria. We must not make things worse than we met them. These are not ordinary times; therefore we must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices for our dear nation.

Jude Nwabuokei,

Lagos