By Dr. Ahmed Adamu
We
are disheartened and disappointed by statements made by a former Niger Delta
militant and a Preacher. The former Niger Delta militant said "there will
be a war if President Jonathan did not win election". The Preacher said
"kill anyone that resemble BokoHaram".
While young people are committed to promoting peace especially
during the election periods, such statements cannot be let go. Democracy is
about convincing people not threatening them, and is a game of number. Elections can only be won by votes not by force. Religious
leaders must preach peace. BokoHaram (BH) live in an isolated area, and for
someone to say kill anyone that resembles them in an area that BH have never
being is not right. BH do not have a particular look, and resembling BH can not
cause anyone to be killed. Such statements are bound to cause violence
especially at this difficult times.
We
call on them to denounce their statements, otherwise they should be arrested
for inciting comments. If not, such may encourage others to make similar
comments, and may influence action.
John Kerry made it clear that, we must not only shun violence,
we must promote peace. We encourage religious and group leaders to promote
peace, tolerance and understand especially during elections. We must understand
that election is not worth a single drop of a blood. We must allow freedom of
choice and commit to truth and fairness. Other countries did their elections
without tensions or any sort of violence, why not our country.
With peace, everyone wins. With violence, everyone looses. Let
us all be winners.
Say No to Election Violence!
