Election Security Advisory (II) — Our Security, Our Peace by Prof. O. E Bassey

It’s now less than seven days to the commencement of the much-awaited 2023 general elections. And even though the naira scarcity keeps biting harder on Nigerians, the election is going nowhere and more fittingly, offers us a chance to redefine our fate as far as governance is concerned.

Largely, there have been relative dissatisfaction with the current administration with many sectors either underperforming or underdelivering to the ‘average’ content of Nigerians, consequently speaking to how keenly and deeply Nigerians are invested in the coming election.

However, it is one thing to desire change and work towards it, it is another to ensure you and yours are alive to live the change and the benefits that come with it. Hence, the significance to reel out advisory on how to ensure your safety before, during and after the election.

Continuing from where we stopped from the first part:

8. Don’t instigate, support or take part in violence:

Stay clear of everything violence. Don’t be the initiator, don’t support, or be involved directly or indirectly with it. In time past, due to the sensitivity of elections, there have been breakout of violence here and there. Although in recent elections in the country, we have recorded zero and minimal violence with the electoral body and security agency promising us of such track record continuing. Regardless, the onus lies with you, dear Nigerian, to avoid violence at all costs for the overall implications will not spare you.

9. Violent or Hate Speech:

Another part of violence less talked about is the verbal violence. That is equally as brutal as the physical violence and should never find its way into our lives. Our speech, both online and physically, should be seasoned with love, kindness, respect and understanding. There should be no iota of hate, abuse or insults whatsoever in our speech to the next person even if at all they don’t seem to align with your beliefs.

10. Jubilate wisely and moderately; accept defeat like a good sportsman

It’s just like a football final, there will always be a winner and a loser. The election will only produce one winner which means that some people will lose and some people will win. Those who will win deserve to celebrate — it’s intuitive and inevitable. However, it should be noted that the celebration should be done moderately and respectfully. Don’t see it as an opportunity to taunt those who lost — it is not the time to do that. They are literally hurting and the last thing you can do to prove yourself as a worthy winner is to be compassionate towards their grief by avoiding words and celebrations that trigger their current state.

Also, in reverse, imbibe the good sportsmanship spirit by accepting defeat when it comes and deeming it fit to congratulate respectfully those who won. This alone goes a long way to entrench to speak to the winner in you who cares about peace winning regardless of whether things go your way or not.

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan will immortally be an apex model of good sportsmanship in politics with his iconic call to President Muhammadu Buhari in the aftermath of the 2015 general elections to congratulate him on his victory. That singular effort, even though he lost on the local front, made him a global icon and a lifetime winner on the international front.

11. Keep your home secured and inform members of your household of the need to be careful too

These tips being shared will mean nothing when you hoard and use it for yourself alone. Half-victory is as good as no victory. So to ensure that the ultimate victory of an election which is peace is full for you, you need to bring these tips to the know of your family members and loved ones, so they can keep themselves secured too, for a new leadership that will hopefully birth a better Nigeria.

11. Enhance your anger management skills during this period

If there is ever a time to be conscious of your anger issues, it is now. A lot of things are likely to step on your toes, but remember that you are not responsible for what comes to you, but how you react to what comes to you.

And at this crucial time, if your reaction is not of love, justice, equality, tolerance and peace, then please, by all means, remain quiet.

12. Keep your home secured by informing members of your household of the need to be careful too

These tips being shared will mean nothing when you hoard and use it for yourself alone. Half-victory is as good as no victory. So to ensure that the ultimate victory of an election which is peace is full for you, you need to bring these tips to the know of your family members and loved ones, so they can keep themselves secured too, for a new leadership that will hopefully birth a better Nigeria.

I wrote more which you could use to protect yourself, your loved ones and host community, during this period in my book: Leadership Communication. It houses tips on communication devoid of violence, hate, crisis and dissension. You can get the e-copy wherever you are for N2,000.

Not only that, I have a course on Leadership Communication to equip you with skills and knowledge on how to communicate effectively and peacefully as a leader that you are. The course is tailored to be flexible, that is, you can either have it online or physically as you consider fitting to your schedule or learning preference.

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Professor Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He is a professor in Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution, a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.

Prof. Bassey has served and interacted at the top-level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is currently the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.

To his many humanitarian acts, he currently spearheads a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders” billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: EmmanuelBassey@gmail.com