Wilson Adekumola
The Warri Monarch, Olu Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri has pointed out what Nigerians must do if their preferred candidate wins or lose in the the forthcoming general elections slated for Saturday, February 25.
He urged the Victors to be magnanimous in victory and those who will lose should imbibe the the spirit of sportsmanship and unite to move the country forward.
The Warri Monarch made this disclosure in a message titled: “A Call For Peace And Participation In The General Elections” adding that it was time for Nigerians to show that their voices and votes does matter.
He noted that the 2023 general elections has come with golden opportunity for the citizens to make a choice on the future of the country by chosing who will redirect the affairs of the country in a way that it would be beneficial for all. Vanguard reports.
The traditional ruler, however implored the people to shun violence and coordinate themselves in how they go about to exercise their franchise on the days of the elections.
While advising that those defeated in the election should accept their fate, he said the Victors should be magnanimous in victory, and those who will lose out to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and unite for the common goals of the country.
He said, “Do all you can by cooperating with law enforcement officers and INEC officials to make polling centres conducive, peaceful, and orderly.
“In becoming the citizen you want to see in others, it comes with the understanding that there will be diverging views and we must not let those views upset our democratic process.
“Those whose preferred candidates are declared the winner, should be sober enough to know that the greater work of good and effective governance has only begun.
“Those whose preferred candidates gather lesser votes, should have the same mind, and be prepared to cooperate, as all hands must be on deck for our joint building of the collective good of our nation.
“Since childhood, we have raised songs that we are the leaders of tomorrow. Well, tomorrow is here, and tomorrow is now. Let us lead with what we have, our votes.
“Let us lead the way to the polls and to the future we want. Let us stand strong having played our part. Then, we will continue building by demanding accountability and good leadership. This is how we will create the Nigeria we want to see: a Nigeria that works for us all.”
On the current challenges face by Nigerians, Olu Atuwatse III urged Nigerians to be united and maintain peace in the face of the seeming challenges they faced presently.
He pointed out that it was only when there is peace and unity the country can overcome the pains and suffering facing Nigerians.
“The recent restlessness in Warri and environs over the past weeks have been tough, testing our resilience as a people.
“This same expressions have also been observed in other parts of the country. In times like this, our bond as a community and people is more important than ever, because our unity is far greater than the sum total of our parts.
“My fellow Nigerians, there is strength in drawing together instead of choosing division. There is power in peace, over chaos. We must not allow temporary events to break the peace, stability, and love amongst us as citizens.
“We cannot afford to lose lives, infrastructure, or property any further. Therefore, I implore you to choose peace, for without peace there is no nation,” he appealed.