About four months away from the 2023 general election, major contenders for the office of president, have been advised to embrace peace and get their minds prepared for the eventual outcome in good faith.
The three major contenders for the president’s office are, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. Former governor of Kano state Rabiu Kwakwanso, among others are also in the race.
In a goodwill message to mark 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, released on Saturday in Abuja, Acting Head of Mission and Country Representative, International Peace Commission of the the United Nations, Amb. Hussaini H. Coomassie, said the presidential candidates should prioritise message of peace, unity of Nigeria and her development during this campaign period.
Dr. Coomassie, who is double 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.
He ongratulated Nigerians home and in the Diaspora, for the Independence Anniversary and expressed hope that the country will overcome all the challenges confronting her presently.
The statement reads: “From the International Peace Commission of the 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,” Dr. Coomassie said.