In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law . . That would lead to anarchy.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr
Anarchy is never an option in a democratic system with a reliable judiciary system and other constituted authorities that have been addressing political issues from time immemorial.
I, Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the NANS Vice President (External Affairs) hereby enjoins Nigerians to eschew violence at this fragile stage of the nation. Fanning the flame of anarchy, nihilism and lawlessness in a nation where we have constituted authorities and an ever-working judicial system will take Nigeria backward in several ramifications.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started well and I’m pretty sure that they will finish well. For them to declare as winners some parties and their candidates, who rose to relevance less than six months ago in some mega states is a significant indication that the umpire is not bias.
Results were cancelled in several pulling units across the country and returning officers didn’t hesitate to mention them each time while declaring the results of their states. This should serve enough as a litmus test results that the umpire is up to the task and will surely deliver to their promises if given the needed chance and peace of mind in an enabling environment.
I’m not of the opinion that the election was generally free and fair but I won’t forget to say that Nigerians are watching the INEC officials at the National Collation Centre, Abuja as they give the party agents and others the privilege to state their complains and also promised them to look into them and bring solutions to them.
There has not been any election in Nigeria where one or two political parties or persons have not challenged the outcome. They seek redress in the court of law and often times, mandates are being claimed by the rightful owners of these positions based on the evidences at hand and the competence of their legal team. We can continue to count on the judiciary as the last resort of the common man and I’m highly optimistic that they won’t trade their reputations for crumbs.
I’d hereby implore aggrieved parties and persons to go to court with their evidences to seek for justice and I’m sure they will get it. The court is the last resort of the common man. All aggrieved parties and persons can as well use the opportunity to reclaim their mandates without having to shed blood, maim and destroy people’s properties unnecessarily.
Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) gave an infamous speech that is capable of igniting the entire nation today as he addressed journalists in a conference in Abeokuta. The hate speech was without depth, facts and figures but it’s sensitivity has the might to cause an unprecedented unrest in Nigeria that could throw Nigerians out of normalcy and send us to stone age. This is uncalled for. Though a stakeholder, you have the right to express your views using any platform you wish but considering your stake, it should be the last thing to resort to. He ought to have consulted first.
Also, considering the political stand of ex President Obasanjo, it would seem hypocritical and people may wish to ask if he would take the same stance if the party he’s supporting is currently leading with unimaginable margin.
Also, considering the political stand of ex President Obasanjo, it would seem hypocritical and people may wish to ask if he would take the same stance if the party he’s currently supporting is leading with unimaginable margin.
My advice to Nigerians, most especially the students and youth is for us to exercise more patience as we await some adjustments (wherever necessary) from INEC and the final declaration of who wears the crown of the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces is made.
I’d also advise the Nigerian youth to resist vehemently any attempt by some individuals or group of individuals to take advantage of the sensitivity of matters at hand to disrupt the relative peace that the nation is enjoying at this crucial moment.
My prayer is that anyone who emerges as Nigeria’s President in this election should bring prosperity and progress to Nigeria. If your patriotism ends with your candidate, then you’re not patriotic at all and you could be taken for a hypocrite.
May Nigeria win and may our hope be renewed once again.
God bless Nigerian Students.
God bless Nigeria.
Peoplesmind
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