BY TERESE TSE
Any attempt by politicians to rig the forthcoming elections would be frustrated. I stand as a father on this land to counsel and to caution that everything must be done properly and in order and let the best candidates emerge. There should be no fighting, there should be no violence, and people should come out en masse to perform their civic responsibility. We want politicians to solicit votes peaceful. We are not supporting or encouraging abusive songs. Contestants should stay on issues by telling the people what they can do. Endear yourself to their hearts and they will vote accordingly. Our people are wise and they will vote wisely. Vote people who will remain committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all citizens, and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect. All the political parties are mine as a father in the land, and whoever wins I will embrace and work with, let us be sure that everything is done to ensure there is equity, fairness and justice.
HRM Prof. James Ayatse (Tiv Paramount Ruler)
Not all the major candidates contesting for elective positions in the forthcoming poll will win. Only one for each position so the rest must accept defeat and hope for the next election. Yes, I acknowledge the fact that none of the candidates contesting for any position would want to lose after spending millions and billions of naira during their campaign electioneering however, I admonished aspirants to say whatever they would say to the electorates without causing fighting. While it is good to pray for the coming election, it is equally important that the people come out en masse and vote wisely for their preferred candidates in this year’s polls.
We are praying for the election, but then we must follow up our prayers with action by coming out to vote en masse. Action in the sense that all those who are eligible to vote should be intelligent and shouldn’t just cast their votes for wrong leaders we should be careful by deciding those who will rule over us.
Pst. Williams Kumuyi (General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church).
We are having security and economic problems at the moment, yes, we are praying, but we need to equally come out en masse to elect good leaders and to achieve this you must have your PVC first. So if you have not collected yours, kindly go and do so, and do not sell your PVC no matter how huge is the offer. If you desire a better life and a generational change, you must use your vote wisely to foster it. Your choices should be based more on political platforms rather than pedigrees of contestants because parties have ideologies and you can hold them accountable if people elected through their platform fails but you will only blame yourself and beyond in an event which a candidate who have chosen on the basis of pedigrees failed. Leadership is a special kind of social influence and as such, ignorance and mistakes of political leaders can become the sorrow river of millions so everything should be done appropriately so the forthcoming election does not end in scuffles.
Barr Teryima Nguher (Commissioner for Youths and Sports).
Contestants should believe in the ideology and values of their political platforms and not just see it as robes to wear for their personal needs and interest. Electorate should support aspirants that are truly interested in addressing the root causes of our challenges. We all recognize that Nigeria is facing many challenges, including; insecurity, poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services in the country. These challenges require the consolidated efforts of competent and patriotic leadership across every level of governance. So electorates should beware of the consequences of their decisions and their choices. They must be aware of the severity of their situation after the dismal failures of leadership the country has experienced over the years. They should vote for leaders who are truly interested in addressing the root causes of our challenges as a nation. Nigerians deserve the opportunity to live a life of dignity, security and opportunity and this is time to decide.
Naja’atu Mohammed (Former Director CSO).
Seekers of elective positions at all levels especially the presidential candidates should be like minded. Even if they have parallel notion on issues, they should be ready to accept defeat and endeavour to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship because this spirit is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. When people want to be in position of authority at all cost, this rather removes the drama of the struggle, the authenticity, and the power to impact others. There is no where in the world that election is hundred percent perfect so aspirants should accept results from INEC after elections without protest or resorting to courts. They should get it in their heads that two candidates cannot occupy a certain position at the same time as impressive or desperate as they may appear to have been and emulate the patience of Abraham Lincoln. Electorate on their part should be vigilant to vote only leaders who are ready to tackle the nation’s numerous problems.
Mr. Orinya Ogenyi (Admin Manager, BPPC)
Contestants should who hope to be the representatives of the people should be willing to lead in accordance with the leadership template that Jesus set by putting the needs of their followers first. Politics should not be viewed as a do or die game but rather be seen as a deliberate platform of service to humanity. So contestants should run a peaceful campaign devoid of violence and acrimony and to ensure free, fair and credible elections. The 2023 general elections are an opportunity to birth a new nation so I also called on the electorate to put the country first and use the ballot as a vehicle for achieving our shared dream of peace, unity and prosperity. “As election draws nearer, make sure you have your PVC with you, do not sit and assume that others are going to vote your preferred candidate even if you don’t vote. Do not think after all, we did million man marches all-round the country and people came out in their thousands, so my one vote won’t make any difference”.
Rev. Dr. Akpen Leva (Benue CAN Chairman).