Ahead of Saturday’s elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan has enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic, peaceful and display true sportsmanship as they vote for their preferred candidates.
Jonathan, who stated this in a message to Nigerians on Tuesday, also urged politicians to eschew hatred and violence, be circumspect in their actions and work towards consolidating the nation’s democracy.
On his charge to the youth, the ex-President said, “The future belongs to you; do not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence. Nigeria is yours to build. This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice; those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country.
“To all citizens, this is a moment of truth and courage. Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, the power to make the right choices, determine our future, and shape our destiny.
“I urge you all to make your respective choices in the best interest of our land. Let us make our choices peacefully and respect the choices and rights of others.”
Jonathan further noted that the elections meant so much to Nigerians, describing it as a moment of truth and courage.
He said, “It is a time that requires us all to exercise the highest form of patriotism in our nation-building journey and collective quest for peace and progress. Let us approach this election with devotion, dedication, and selflessness, by ensuring that we don’t jeopardise our country’s peace and unity as we exercise our franchise and pursue our political dreams and aspirations.”
Cautioning against violence, Jonathan urged Nigerians to learn from the cases of West Africa nations that had witnessed “a crisis of democracy that has led to unconstitutional change of governments, which has derailed their democratic quest for peace and development.”
