A few days we have to the long anticipated 2019 elections. The threat of possible violence is still in the air. With the trend of events in some states like the destruction of campaign bill boards, burning of campaign offices, attacks on convoys of candidates, the burning of INEC offices, et cetera .
Our democracy is not meant to be dwindling but improving and getting stronger and more accommodating as the years pass by. Twenty years it is of uninterrupted democracy, thus a lot we ought to have learnt from our previous experiences. The politicians are at it again; inciting statements some of them are making. Even if the masses have not learnt anything from our previous experiences; at least they should have learnt that the politicians and their immediate families, whom are the major beneficiaries of the election victories do not fall victims of these violence; the masses are the casualties and victims of these violence.
The ‘do or die’ political psyche that has characterized the Nigerian political sphere should be relegated to the background and given a resounding and befitting burial.
Violence and intimidation should not be the path to victory; the ballot which will represent the true position and yearnings of Nigerians should be the only path. Mahatma Gandhi in one of his famous statements said “There are many causes I would die for. There is not a single cause I would kill for.”
Tolerance and mutual respect should be exhibited by the various actors. The actors should put Nigeria first before their various political interests. They should respect the sanctity of human life, for no life is worth anyone’s ambition or interest. The various actors should imbibe the Gandhi philosophy of non-violence and having no cause worth killing for.
The electoral body should create a level playing ground for all actors and ensure that the elections are credible, free and fair; for the world is watching and Nigerians are hoping.
To the electorates, your vote is your right, it is the only viable means by which you can express your approval or disapproval of a particular candidate or party, violence is not. The highest causalities of post-election violence are the electorates, for those we claim we are fighting for to win or fighting because he/she didn’t win are usually not affected by the killings and burnings of properties. So my fellow compatriots its election not war, lets come out and exercise our franchise in peace, tolerance and harmony.
Amit Ray in one of his famous statement said “nonviolence is only for brave men and women of the world because it requires courage to love the beauty of life, beauty of humanity and beauty of the world. ” Let’s be brave men and women, let us learn to appreciate the beauty of life, humanity and the world. For civil right, liberty and democracy that is soiled in innocent blood is unsightly. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi “liberty and democracy become unholy when their hands are dyed with innocent blood.”
Umaru, Enemona Ismaila
07039102092
From Jos, Plateau State.
You have indeed written well.. More ink man!