Jonathan urges peaceful election in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi guber

As the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states prepare to elect their governors on Saturday, I urge all the political actors and their supporters to embrace peace and respect the rule of law.

I also call on the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the security agencies to perform their duties with professionalism and patriotism during and after the election.

I want to remind us that democracy is a system that empowers the people and that “a leader who has the interest of his people at heart would not hire thugs to harm and kill the same people he wants to serve.”

“Let us shun all acts that will endanger the collective peace and stability of our states and our nation. A leader who has the interests of his people at heart would not hire thugs to harm and kill the same people he wants to serve. Let me say it again: no one’s ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. Therefore, let us resist the temptations and inducements that may be used as instruments of violence.

“For democracy to thrive and be impactful, we must ensure that the process of selecting our leaders, especially through elections, is credible, transparent, fair, and peaceful. I appeal to the electoral umpire, security agencies, and other stakeholders to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their duties during and after the election.

“Democracy derives its strength from the people; let us work to boost the confidence of the people by ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent. It is the shared duty of all stakeholders to allow the people to choose their leaders peacefully. That way, our democracy will grow and become sustainable.