7th April, 2011
President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to Nigerians not to allow their disappointment over last Saturday’s botched National Assembly polls to diminish their enthusiasm in participating in the elections which has now been rescheduled.
Jonathan, in a nationwide broadcast this morning while commending Nigerians for turning out in large numbers to participate in the botched elections urged them not to allow the zeal to be part of the 2011 elections to wane as a result of the postponement.
” Across the country, there was clear evidence of an overwhelming spirit of patriotism that saw our countrymen and women troop out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process.
“Our people exhibited phenomenal fortitude and understanding, as many of you travelled long distances at great personal cost, and waited patiently to perform your civic responsibility.
“This was a clear demonstration of your abiding faith in the electoral process.
“Fellow Nigerians, my appeal to you this morning, is to sustain that patriotic zeal that you so visibly displayed last Saturday.
“I call on you all to come out again, en masse on Saturday and on all subsequent election days, to cast your votes.
The 2011 General Elections, the President said in the broadcast “represent an important milestone in our nation’s march to greatness.
“Our collective posterity beckons on us all to stand up and be counted.
“Participating in the electoral process is your way of demonstrating your faith in the future of our country; a future founded on the promise of democracy, unity and progress.
The President, in the broadcast, also assured Nigerians of the commitment of his administration to the independence of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and to the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.
Jonathan said government will continue to support the Commission and provide all it requires to carry out its mandate.
The President said in the national broadcast that the Chairman of INEC has again assured the nation that the Commission is fully ready to deliver credible polls to Nigerians.
President Jonathan also said the government will ensure that adequate security is provided for INEC officials, election materials and prospective voters.
“The security agencies have been directed to provide optimal security for the entire process.
“They are to ensure the security of all voters, polling agents and INEC officials, and the maintenance of law and order.
President Jonathan also appealed to Nigerians and other stakeholders in the political scene to cooperate with the security agencies to achieve peaceful elections throughout the country.
“I seize this opportunity, once more, to urge all political stakeholders to continue to be faithful to the tenets of fair play and healthy competition.
“At this critical stage in our national development, we cannot afford to engage in acts that can fan the embers of violence and discord.
“Let me assure you that Government remains committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and property of all Nigerians across the country.
“Nigeria is bigger than anyone of us.
“No one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
—Oluokun Ayorinde