* Urges Nigerian youths to join political process
The acting Head of Mission and Country Representative, International Peace Commission of the United Nations, Amb. Hussaini H. Coomassie, has advised the presidential candidates in next year’s elections to prioritise message of peace, unity of Nigeria and her development during the campaign period.
Coomassie’s appeal was contained in his goodwill message on the occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary, released in Abuja on Saturday.
Coomassie, who doubles as the global vice chairman, Advocacy for Good Governance & Social Justice Network (AGGSJN), also warned supporters of the major presidential candidates against thuggery, hate speeches and fake news during the electioneering campaign.
Apparently, Coomassie’s advice was directed to the frontline presidential candidates, namely former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Kano State Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
To them and their supporters, Coomassie said they should be prepared to accept the outcome of next year’s general election in good faith.
While congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad for the 62nd Independence Anniversary, the UN Representative expressed hope that the country will overcome its current challenges.
He said: “From the International Peace Commission of the United Nations we felicitate with Nigerians home and abroad for celebrating the country’s 62nd Anniversary of Independence from the colonial rule. It is our firm believe that Nigeria shall overcome all her challenges and emerge a great Nation that is destined to be.
“As the Nigerians getting ready to elect another leader to succeed the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari next year, it is our hope, however, that the major contenders will prepare their minds and that of their supporters to gladly accept whatever the outcome will be in the sportsmanship spirit.
“This, I emphasise, should be registered in their minds that only one of them will emerge victorious at the poll as Nigerian voters will decide. Therefore, I urge the political gladiators and their supporters to embrace peace, preach peace and practice peace during and after this forthcoming exercise.
Nigeria should be seen as a collective project and not a personal project. This Nation is greater than anyone and history will not forget in a hurry whatever said and done either in the country’s favour or against her,” Coomassie said.
According to Coomassie, something is now clear that no administration will ever take the country and her youths for granted again based on the current political consciousness of Nigerians.
He also called on the Nigerian youths to actively and peacefully participate in the ongoing process and elect a leader that will protect their future and the generations yet unborn.
“I believe that God in His mercy has magnanimously blessed Nigeria with enormous resources. This nation is only yearning for a right leadership to creatively tap into these resources and turn around her fortune. The forthcoming national election is another opportunity to right the wrong,” Coomassie stated.