Piece of Peace: Love and Peace Shall Win Again

 "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." - Martin Luther King Jr.

 

The warriors are gearing up, preparing for the jungle ahead, and the drums begin to beat in the distance. The path ahead is rugged with obstacles and challenges lurking around every corner. We have walked this road before, and we know that the journey is not an easy one. General elections in Nigeria are not just a game, and we cannot entrust the process solely to the politicians. As we are getting ready for the election day, it is time for me to pen down my next piece of peace (#PieceOfPeace). I have consistently written about peaceful elections in every election season, and this is my third article in this series since the 2015 general election.   

Nigeria is a country with so much potential, but it has been held back by decades of corruption, ethnic and religious tensions, and a general lack of leadership. One of the biggest challenges the country faces is ensuring free and fair elections, without violence and vote buying. As the country prepares to cast votes for the presidential elections, it is important to remember that love and peace shall win, and not your favourite candidate.

There are four leading candidates in this election, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. For neutrality I will try not to mention their names. We have the one that has been playing the role of kingmaker in Nigerian politics and now wants to become King himself. The one that has become a regular customer to INEC running for president in every election season since 2003. Then, the one that has framed himself as the anti-establishment candidate in hopes of harnessing votes among those who feel anger at the status quo and lastly the one that curved his support from the ancient city of Dabo and its environs.

Regardless of who wins the election, it is important to remember that violence and vote buying should have no place in Nigeria's democracy. It is essential to ensure free and fair elections, where every vote counts and is not influenced by money or intimidation. Nigeria needs leaders who can unite the country and work towards a common goal of making the country great again. These leaders can only come through a credible democratic process. It is important to note that any form of intimidation, harassment, and online stalking is unacceptable in any election, regardless of the political affiliation or beliefs of the individuals involved. The BATified, ATIKUlates and OBIdients, or any other group or individual, should understand that such actions do not promote peace, but rather contribute to tension and division in the country. The big question is; are you all ready to accept the outcome of the election without causing any form of violence even if it is not your favourite candidate who wins? Your answer to this question will determine your political maturity and commitment to peaceful nation building.  

One of the biggest challenges Nigeria faces is the issue of security. The country is plagued by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. It is important for the new president to take a tough stance on security and work towards ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. As Nelson Mandela once said, "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." This statement holds true for Nigerians during the presidential election. While the election may be a time of heated political debate and differing opinions, it is crucial to remember that all citizens are ultimately working towards a better future for the country.

The philosophy of democracy centers around the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box, yet this principle has not always been upheld in Nigeria's presidential elections. The country has witnessed significant security challenges in recent years, and it is crucial for all Nigerians to embrace the ideals of peace, love, and harmony during this election. Let us remember the wise words of many leaders who have emphasized that peaceful elections are the foundation for a stable and prosperous democracy. The future of Nigeria depends on the ability of its citizens to shun violence and vote buying, and instead come together in the spirit of peace to build a brighter future for all.

I would conclude this piece with another quote from Martin Luther King Jr. who once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Let us choose love over hate, peace over violence, and progress over stagnation. Together, we can build a Nigeria that we can all be proud of. I wish all of us a successful general election and a peaceful transition.

God bless Nigeria.

Shafi’i Hamidu wrote-in from the Doha.

Twitter: @shafzon

FaceBook: Shafi’i Hamidu

 

 

PUBLISHED IN:
 1. The Nation, with the title "Love and peace shall win again", February 27, 2023 .