…Harps on issue-based, violence free campaigns
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All peoples Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party(LP) as well as other Presidential Aspirants for their emergence at the conclusion of party primaries, urging them to run a campaign devoid of rancor and divisiveness and utilize the opportunity to promote peace and unity.
Jonathan in a statement on Thursday by Ikechukwu Eze, his Special Adviser Media, described the interests of the candidates in leading the country as a demonstration of their commitment and belief in the progress of the nation.
Noting that Nigeria is at a critical junction in its march to nationhood as it grapples with security and economic challenges, Dr. Jonathan stated that the 2023 elections present an opportunity to renew the dreams of our founding fathers and revitalize our economy.
He charged the candidates to, in their campaigns, eschew violence and acts that could encourage any form of bloodletting or exacerbate the national fault lines, noting that it is the responsibility of all political leaders to strive to de-escalate the tension in the country.
“As you progress towards the electioneering campaigns, it is important that the issues confronting the country and credible solutions take centre stage.
“I urge you to conduct your campaigns in a manner devoid of acrimony, divisiveness and treachery so that at the end of the day Nigeria will win, democracy will triumph and humanity will be better for it.
“As I have always said, no ambition is worth the life of another. As candidates, you must eschew violence and acts that will encourage any form of bloodletting or exacerbate the national fault lines. We live in a season of unprecedented violence and all political leaders have a responsibility to de-escalate the tension in the country. The candidates by conduct and language must prioritise non-violence and peaceful coexistence” Jonathan stated.
He also reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies of their responsibilities, stressing that the importance of the 2023 election imposes on them a historic burden to continue the process of deepening the reforms of our electoral system.
“The importance of this election imposes on the election managers and security agencies a historic burden to continue deepening the reforms of our electoral system. A transparent election will go a long way to increase the confidence of Nigerians in our democracy and restore trust in our public institutions.
“We can attain our national aspirations of unity, peace, and progress through the instrumentality of a functional and effective democracy”.
Commending the spirit of sportsmanship so far displayed by some of the losers at the election, Jonathan continued, ““I also salute the sportsmanship displayed by other aspirants who have continued to lend their weight to the democratic process, despite the fact that they did not emerge victorious in their various party primaries.
“I urge all stakeholders to place national interest above personal interest. We must commit to upholding virtues that will sustain our democracy and advance the cause of good governance, peace and sustainable development.
“Nigeria is at a critical junction in its march to nationhood as it grapples with security and economic challenges. The 2023 elections present an opportunity to renew our union, rebuild the dreams of our founding fathers and revitalise our economy.
“I urge all leaders, especially politicians, to prioritize the peace and stability of our nation as we commence the activities of the 2023 elections.
“To the good citizens of our beloved country, particularly the youth, I charge you all to make honest and patriotic choices that will guarantee us the hope that we desire for ourselves and our nation”.
