Advertisement
“The 2022 electoral act clearly makes provisions for an occurrence of dissatisfaction with electoral result, hence; legitimized that a disgruntled party can seek redress to a perceived electoral breach in a competent court of law, which in all sense of civility and patriotism, minimizes risks and equalizes peace for unity upon which democracy platforms on. It is expected that as a party and candidate seeking election into a democratic office, such constitutional move should be the recourse to perceived electoral injustice and not inciting or goading supporters into violence.”
It was truly heartening seeing the unprecedented interest Nigerians, who were once unpopular for being apathetic towards political activities, demonstrated towards the seventh general elections since the nation shook hands with democracy.
All over the country, it was not recorded a polling unit barren of large turnout of voters as the people unambiguously deemed it crunch time to take their fate into their own hands and dictate what tune they dance to for the next four years of their lives.
At the time of filing this article, a large volume of the results are still being collated with some polling units where elections didn’t take place yesterday yet to commence proceedings. However, it is hoped that by the time this article gets the ‘editorial green’ for mass reading, it will be official who the president-elect, incoming house of representatives members and senate members are.
But before then, one very disturbing aura pervading the land is that of a potential ‘political unrest’ some political quarters are spunning to erupt in major parts of the country if the results don’t go their way.
To them, there is a perceived compromise on the part of the electoral body to rig the outcome of the presidential election in favour of a particular candidate. Though the election is still far from being concluded, the begrudged parties and their impassioned supporters — for whatever valid reasons they have — envision already a ‘manipulated’ result being pronounced to the advantage of their political opponents, and to seek justice, have threatened fire and brimstone to rain the land.
It is almost inconceivable, with the frenzy and competitive build-up to the election, not to have anticipated a stiff resistance of electoral outcome with the losing party holding out for a ‘more than convincing’ proof of how the winning party emerged victor. What is, however, undemocratic and unbecoming is the resort to violence and unrest in protestation of justice.
The election, although, can be largely labeled peaceful saw some mars here and there with violence, thuggery and intimidation witnessed in some polling units. Security agencies were, however, timely and responsible in seeing that none of the electoral malfeasances disrupted the conclusion of the election process in most units with normalcy restored almost immediately.
In terms of fairness, that is where the chunk of grievances currently revolve around with some members of some parties alleging distortion and manipulation of electoral result in some states to disfavour them.
Be that as it may, it is not enough to send the country into flames. As a matter of fact, being given to such reaction is enough to evince how your support for a particular candidate was not about Nigeria entirely but solely about your personal interest.
The 2022 electoral act clearly makes provisions for an occurrence of dissatisfaction with electoral result, hence; legitimized that a disgruntled party can seek redress to a perceived electoral breach in a competent court of law, which in all sense of civility and patriotism, minimizes risks and equalizes peace for unity upon which democracy platforms on. It is expected that as a party and candidate seeking election into a democratic office, such constitutional move should be the recourse to perceived electoral injustice and not inciting or goading supporters into violence.
With that said, here is me offering my congratulations to the winners of the elections from the presidential, to the Senate down to the House of Reps. I hope the mandate to protect the sanctity of Nigeria and promote peace for development colour your administration.
And importantly, to those who would be in celebration of the victory of their preferred candidatea, I charge you to ensure your celebration is done in civility and moderation. You deserve to celebrate but gloating and taunting others whose candidates lost is never borderline patriotism.
An election, again, is bigger than any political candidate or a political party. An election is about Nigeria and Nigerians, and when you put any of this in harm’s way, the purpose is lost.
Isaiah 32:18: Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places;
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
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
