Yobe state governor Mai Mala Buni, has asked Nigerians to avoid politics of hate and the promotion of religious and ethnic sentiments even as the country prepares for 2023 general elections.
Governor Buni also said despite huge natural and human capital resources the country is endowed with “unfortunately, 63 years after independence, we are still struggling to get it right.”
Speaking Tuesday in Abuja, at the Annual Public Lectures and Impact Series/Awards organised by the Blueprint Newspaper, governor Buni who chaired the event said 2023 election provides Nigeria another good opportunity to have a competence-driven election of new leaders to enhance national unity and development.
According to Buni, We have a moral burden and responsibility to chart a new path of unity and prosperity for this great country, a path of unity and prosperity for the benefit of future generations. It is also an opportunity for us to leave good legacies in the sands of time for posterity to Judge us fairly and positively.
“Therefore, for us to succeed, we must as a deliberate policy, avoid politics of hate, and the promotion of religious and ethnic sentiments that are gradually eating deep into the fabric of our nationhood. The government with the collaboration of stakeholders should create the required awareness among our supporters and the people of Nigeria generally to condemn and discourage inciting propaganda for a peaceful and successful election in 2023.
“Nigeria is no doubt blessed with huge natural and human capital but unfortunately, 63 years after independence, we are still struggling to get it right. It is also unfortunate that we have collectively failed to use our diversity to serve as a source of strength. We have allowed, and in some cases, preached primordial sentiments and intolerance to divide us for political gains, thereby creating more disunity among Nigerians.
” I am convinced that the Presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, His Excellency the former Vice President of Nigeria, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the former Governors of Kano and Anambra states Alh. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Mr. Peter Obi, respectively, and of course, all other candidates cleared by INEC to contest for offices at National and state levels are leaders in their own rights.
“I am equally convinced that as statesmen, we shall remain patriotic to focus our campaigns on issues that unite the country rather than issues that divide us. I, therefore, wish to solicit the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the interest of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria, let us think Nigeria first before any other interest.”
Speaking on the topic of the event titled: “2023 politics, national security and Nigeria’s stability,” Buni said all Nigerians are indebted o the country.
“The success or otherwise of the 2023 elections hugely depends on us the politicians, the political parties, candidates and their supporters, and of course, the political umpire the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The need for peace to conduct the elections and to have good governance and development cannot be overemphasized. It, therefore, becomes obvious for all of us to make sacrifices and consider National interests above personal interests for a free and peaceful election in 2023. As patriots, with the zeal to ensure the unity of Nigeria, there is no election or interest of any single individual that is worth sending Nigeria to war.
“Nigeria has had many tastes of very unfortunate events from birth to date, under various regimes, from the very sad civil war to ethno-religious conflicts, bloody border clashes, and lately, the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and secession among others. These conflicts had robbed the country of rich and valuable human and material resources. Nigeria cannot afford to have any more.”
The governor called on the participants to allow the lecture to guide their thoughts from negative and destructive political dispositions that polarise Nigerians to a more robust issue-based campaign and politicking to help build unity and new hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.