Striving for Peace After the 2023 Election

Emotions have continued to trail results of the Saturday, 25th February, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections, with many making misguided statements and even actions, that if feelings are not controlled, the country will descend into violence. This is more so that supporters of some political parties are already making plans to protest against the election results. The brewing negative agitation if not addressed/ controlled may lead the country to descend into another #EndSARS violence. Is that what we need at a time such as this? In order to prevent the nation from plunging into anarchy, politicians must therefore either accept defeat and warn their supporters against taking any actions that will disturb peace or follow the proper legal channels and procedures rather than engaging in subversive activities. We should enthuse the saying of the spiritual leader and head of the country of Tibet, Dalai Lama XIV that Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; it simply means solving differences through dialogue, wisdom, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.

Nigeria has been bedevilled with insurgency, banditry, militancy, separatist agitation among other vices. It would be foolhardy for citizens to engage in activities that would further threaten the much sought after peace in the country. Elections are not a do-or-die affair, and as in many democracies around the world, the Nigerian Constitution provides appropriate channels through which we can direct our grievances.  Yes, we are human and its natural to be emotional when things do not go our way and I understand that our emotions are trying to play hard on us to accept what we feel is right; but remember that all things must not go our way always and two wrongs do not make a right. Have we ever questioned the fact that many of those desperately trying to stir up the populace for the so-called protest are either secessionist agitators looking to exploit the situation, disgruntled politicians whose families will never be involved in the uprising, or those who are not in the country? Is it not rather curious and amusing how the likes of Simon Ekpa and other well-known agitators for Yoruba Nation, who are all against Nigeria’s unity, are all of a sudden interested in the election results. Apparently because it would provide an opportunity to further their subversive interest.

Lastly, our beloved country desperately needs peace and unity to thrive. Economic instability and insecurity is biting hard across the globe; in Nigeria, we all know that diversity is our most powerful weapon to thrive, and we can make this country a better place to live if we all work together and put forth our best efforts. So let’s unite for peace and harmony and work for the betterment of the country. We can all help if we let go of our negative energy and focus on making the country better. Every Nigerian has a responsibility and role to play to make our dear country a better nation. Arise, Nigerians!!! Let’s let peace take hold of our dear nation!!!