A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has called on key political actors in Nigeria, particularly those seeking elective positions, to do everything possible to ensure peace during the forth-coming general elections.
Abdulsalami said this was imperative because “Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence.”
The former Head of State threw the challenge at the one-day peace conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Peaceful Elections and National Development.’
Gen. Abdulsalami’s caution was also echoed by former President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries at the event.
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The event attracted continental figures including former President of Liberia, Prof. Amos Sawyer; Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, among others.
In the words of Gen. Abdulsalami, “The period of election in the country is often tension-soaked because of the competition involved.
“Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence. Jonathan kept his word that his presidency is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
“He graciously conceded defeat, he saved the country from falling into political crisis. Nigerians and indeed, the world are praying that the election would be peaceful. Without peace, there would be no nation, and without a nation, there would be no election.”
