The long awaited presidential election coincides with valentine Day. The celebration of love known as lovers Day or Valentine Day takes place every 14th February each year. And the choice of 14th February by Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) for presidential and national assembly elections has generated a lot of heated arguments in Lovers zone But considering the importance of the presidential election to Nigerians and Nigeria, the date has been accepted by all Nigerians for the election. In deed, it is the duty of Nigerians to commemorate St. Valentine Day in terms of showing Love to one another. Lovers Day should be seen as a panacea to peaceful and credible election in Nigeria.
Therefore, it is worthy to note that this is the first time in Nigeria where election is going to hold on valentine day. The electorates, the right holders are eager to elect the president that will lead them in the next four years, according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Valentine’s Day election in Nigeria is a welcome development to reciprocate love and peace. It is not a taboo to hold an election on 14th February which is internationally known as lovers’ day. Nigerians need peaceful elections devoid of rancour and acrimony. Thuggery and ballot box snatching should be avoided as that has put Nigeria in bad light.
Indeed, 14 political parties have put forward 14 presidential Candidates to Nigerians. Now is the duty of electorates or voters to vote the president who will lead come after the election. The two popular political parties APC and POP are aggressively campaigning to woo voters to vote for them. Today, the issue of valentine day is solely for presidential election and not lovers’ day.
Thus, lovers’ day, as the name implies, should be used to show love on the day of the election. The presidential election should set the pace for other subsequent elections.
Therefore lovers Day should be seen as a day of love to Nigerian nation. It is obvious that Nigerians need love during the election to avoid already preemptive speculation of violence during elections. The political
class should as a matter of urgent issue desist from making unwarranted and mischievous statements against their perceived opponents. In the same vein, political supporters should eschew act capable of causing chaos during and after elections.
Nigeria is our heritage, let us show love to àne another. The Independent National Electoral Commission as the umpire should consider the importance of the date to Nigerians and Nigeria. The international community is watching the trend of events of our democracy. Nigeria is a great nation. Therefore, Nigerians should do the right thing. Just few weeks ago, the (U 5) secretary of state, Mr. John Kerry met Mr. President, Dr. Good luck Jonathan in ASO ROCK, and APC presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari at the US Consulate in Lagos, to sue for peace during elections.
The quest for peaceful election has made all presidential candidates to sign peace accord in Abuja in presence of Koffi Annan, former UN scribe and Chief Emeka Anyaku, former Common Wealth, Secretary General. All the meetings were geared towards peaceful, credible and transparent elections in Nigeria. Nigerians are yearning for crisis free election. And it is the duty of security agencies to remain Impartial as thy help in proffering solution to peaceful elections. It is time for INEC to live up to expectations of Nigerians by conducting free, fair and crisis free elections in Nigeria.
There is need for Nigerians to make St. Valentine sacred by showing love on 14th of February. Free, fair and credible election would make the loser to boldly congratulate the winner with out grudge. Indeed, all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion and culture should show love and vote in an atmosphere of love without killing and maiming any body. Let us make history as we vote on Valentine’s Day in Nigeria. ###
FRANK ENEAWAJI OGWUONUONU
08028901682
