Jonathan preaches peace ahead governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan called for a peaceful governorship elections on Saturday.

On Saturday, November 11, 2023, electorates will head to the polls in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa to vote for their choice of candidates.

Ahead of the polls, Jonathan reiterated that a politician’s ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

The former Bayelsa State governor said everyone involved in the elections must do everything possible not to jeopardize the peace and stability in the country.

“As citizens of voting age in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States go to the polls for governorship election tomorrow, I urge all electorates and politicians to avoid violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner,” he wrote on his X handle.

“Let us refrain from all activities that will jeopardize the collective peace and stability of our states and our country.

“A man who means well for his people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill the very people he wants to govern.

“Let me reiterate that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. Therefore, let us resist the temptation and inducements that may be deployed as agents of destruction.“

Jonathan said for democracy to endure and be impactful, the country must ensure that the leadership recruitment process, especially elections, are credible, transparent, fair and peaceful.

He urged the electoral management body, security agencies and other stakeholders to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities during and after the election.

“Democracy draws its strength from the people; let us work to strengthen the confidence of the people by ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent.“

He added that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to allow the people to choose their leaders peacefully so that democracy in the country will grow and become sustainable.