By Dr. Ahmed Adamu
In the 2015 presidential elections, the history of Nigeria has
now taken a new and positive shape. Nigerians have shown to the world that the
country’s beacon still burns as bright. They proved that despite the despair
and great challenges, a government of the people by the people and for the people
remained possible.
A very big congratulation to General Muhammadu Buhari for this
victory as the president -elect. His endurance in pursuit of his dream to serve
his country is commendable and a lesson for the future generation. If his
emergence thought Nigerian youth anything, it is that content of character;
endurance and determination are forces that make every dream possible.
A special congratulation to the Nigerian president Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan for keeping to his promise of ensuring free, fair and peaceful
elections, despite the opportunity he had to do otherwise.
He chose to allow the will of the people decide. For the first
time in years, Nigerians and the international community are in agreement with
the election outcome. Mr President’s respect for democratic values is something
that will go down in history. For the first time in the history of Nigeria,
there will be a political transition from one political party to another at the
centre. This is a sign of maturity of democracy in the country.
The 2015 election has restored hope and confidence in Democracy
not only in Nigeria, but across Africa. Many African countries will learn great
lessons and draw more democratic confidence from the Nigerian election. The
country has set a precedent that many countries will follow.
One of the core values of the Commonwealth are democracy,
freedom of expression, international peace and tolerance, respect and
understanding, and all these were showcased during the political process in
Nigeria. Therefore, we want to congratulate Nigeria for achieving this
commendable milestone.
As young people, the measure of our success in the Nigerian
election is by the peacefulness and decorum of the process. We have invested so
much to ensure peaceful elections in Nigeria. The Commonwealth Youth Council
led Nigerian youth in a campaign for non-violence election, and we can
celebrate, because our objective has been achieved. I want to congratulate all
the Peace Marshals and Ambassadors who volunteered and worked selflessly to make
this a reality.
Nigerian Youth have made sacrifices and stood on queues, under
the scorching sun and under the rain for hours, and many for the first time in
their lives, because they believed their voices must be heard. They voted for
the candidate of their choice.
These are manifestation that Nigerian youth have understood
their democratic rights and are ready to actively participate in shaping the
future they will live in. This is a victory to the youth.
There is no better time than now for Nigerian youth to work
collectively in pursuing a youth development agenda. The Nigerian youth must
take their rightful position, be in the centre stage in a democratic society.
The political outcome was determined by the youth’ votes;
therefore, their voices must matter in governance. Young people must form at
least 30% of the political positions at all levels. This is the new campaign
for the Nigerian youth. The youth must demand for a youth minister and active
involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.
General Buhari should never assume that the new job will be an
easy one. To make the job easier, Nigerian youth must embrace the spirit of
patriotism and sense of responsibility and work together as a people to build
the nation. However, to build the nation, the youth must be built.
The political fight is over. Nigerians must come together
irrespective of political affiliations, ethnic and faith persuasion to fight
for the country we all love and be ready to sacrifice for its success.
I enjoin every Nigerian to put the country
first before any other interest, and let us all be champions for peace. As we
celebrate Democracy, let us do so with love, brotherhood and tolerance to enjoy
the beauty of Democracy.
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