New Year, Polls: Buhari, Atiku, Others Preach Peace

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It was a message of peace and love from President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other prominent Nigerian leaders Monday for the New Year and the forthcoming general election.
Buhari in a New Year message called for caution this year with the general election, adding that polls should not be a ‘do or die affair’.
He said, “2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at national and state levels. As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and credible.
“Elections need not be do-or-die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.
“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting, and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.
“Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.
“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilised for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.
“We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.”
In his New Year message, Atiku said this year presents an opportunity for Nigerians to elect a leader with vision, maintaining that the country is currently the headquarters of extreme poverty.
He opined that this year presents an opportunity to change the trend.
Atiku said in his message: “I’m convinced that in 2019, if we chart a new course, we can become the world headquarters for hope and extreme devotion to the cause of lifting our people out of poverty.
“2019 is as yet a blank page. As a nation, we must not settle for whatever it brings. Rather, we must take collective action, through our choices, in making it a year where we revive national hope, with visionary leadership that sees our economy and institutions working again as they did in our golden era.
“We can chart a new course and open a new chapter that sees every Nigerian living in peace and prosperity with their neighbour.
“It can be the year when our youths finally get a job instead of being unfairly tagged as lazy. With purposeful leadership, it can also be the year when we put an end to terrorism and usher in a golden age of peace.”
“But it will not just happen by itself. We have to make changes from the top all the way to the bottom. We already have the vision, the vision of a nation that is a beacon of hope for the Black Race and the world at large, what we lack and what 2019 can provide, is the leadership that has the capacity to translate that vision into reality.
“In 2019, Nigerians need a leadership that is 100 per cent for 100 per cent of Nigerians, 100 per cent of the time. We have seen where division and sectionalism has led us to. Now let us try unity and patriotism.”
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki called on Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for God to bring peace this year with the general election.
Saraki said, “Specifically, we should remember to intercede with God on behalf of our sister, Leah Sharibu, and other captives from Chibok and Dapchi. May they regain their freedom in good health in the new year.
“I congratulate all Nigerians who are today ushering in a New Year in an atmosphere of peace. While a lot needs to be done to increase the level of security in the land, revive our economy, gainfully engage our youths, the New Year gives us another opportunity to take steps that would lead us to our desired destination as a nation.
“We can only overcome our challenges if we remain resolute in fighting for what is right and doing the right things. We should ensure the coming general election is peaceful, free, fair and credible. All of us should abhor any illegal or violent activity”,
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara in his New Year message called on Nigerians to be full of optimism and not despair.
Dogara who observed that 2018 was full of reckless killings said this year presents hope, urging Nigerians to renew their faith in God.
“The year 2019 presents a unique opportunity for us to take full control of our nation and our destiny. It is also time for us to take responsibility for our own lives and work towards making Nigeria a better place for all its citizens.

“A democratic government should always depend on its citizens as the reverse will only amount to slavery. Hence, we must continue to demonstrate patriotism, cooperation, dedication and resilience in order to overcome our challenges and triumph over the forces of retrogression.”

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