The recent unrest in Warri and its environs has been difficult, putting our people’s resilience to the test. Similar expressions have been seen in other parts of the country. Our bond as a community and people is more important than ever in times like these because our unity is far greater than the sum of our parts. My fellow Nigerians, there is strength in uniting rather than dividing. Peace has more power than chaos.
We must not allow passing events to disrupt the peace, stability, and love that exists among us as citizens. We cannot afford to lose any more lives, infrastructure, or property. As a result, I implore you to choose peace, because there is no nation without peace. As the general election approaches, I urge you to keep your heart set on rebuilding our great nation and commit to taking the necessary steps to make it a reality.
I’d like to thank our youth for the courage you’ve shown in recent years. I am extremely proud of our emerging accountability and political participation culture. The election season of 2023 is our opportunity to advance democracy.
For far too long, far too many people have believed the lie that our voices and votes don’t matter. This lie has only bred despair, robbing us of our ability to shape the future we require. Many of the problems for which we pray today are the result of leadership policies and the responses of followership to these decisions at all levels since the beginning of our journey as an independent nation.
Unfortunately, one thing that has brought all Nigerian youths together is that for far too long, we have raised our hands to the Almighty, burdens in our hearts, and tears in our eyes. But there is hope: the Almighty has placed the answers to those prayers in the hands of those very same people. Take those willing hands and bodies and go peacefully participate in the political process.
Apathy is no longer an option, just as the last-minute fire department response is no longer an option. For our sake and the sake of future generations, we must be thorough and deliberate in our choices and how we go about them. Young Nigerians, we can only bring about change by electing leaders who will champion laws, policies, and actions that promote our peace and progress. Leaders who prioritize our collective future over their own personal goals and ambitions.
These elections will be a watershed moment in our country’s history, and the youth cannot afford to be mere spectators. As a result, I urge, no, implore you to vote. It is one day, one day that will shape our country’s next four to eight years. That will one day determine the fate of Nigeria, and thus our own and our children’s destinies. It is time to take an active role in our country’s affairs and future.
Your vote is like planting a seed for the future. You must not consume that seed. That seed must not be sold. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Get rid of the false narrative that has previously caused you to doubt, despair, and discouragement about that seemingly small seed in your hand.
The plant that seed, nourish and tender it, and watch it grow into a life-giving tree. The process may appear time-consuming, but it is a small price to pay for the next four years and future generations. Prepare mentally and physically to join the lines and carry out your civic duty on February 25 and other election days.
Cooperate with law enforcement officers and INEC officials to make polling places safe, peaceful, and orderly.
Being the citizen you want to see in others entails accepting that there will be opposing viewpoints, and we must not allow those viewpoints to disrupt our democratic process.
Those whose preferred candidates are declared the winners should be aware that the larger task of good and effective governance has only just begun. Those whose preferred candidates receive fewer votes should have the same mindset and be willing to collaborate, as all hands must be on deck for our nation’s collective good.
We have been singing since we were children that we are the leaders of tomorrow. So, tomorrow has arrived, and tomorrow is now. Let us lead with the votes we have. Let us pave the way to the polls and the future we desire. Let us stand tall, having done our part. Then we’ll keep building by requiring accountability and good leadership. This is how we will build Nigeria we desire: a Nigeria that works for all of us.
Thank you very much. God bless you and the Warri Kingdom. Nigeria, may God bless you.
