Tinubu sues for peace, condemns ethnic slurs, and calls for an end to election violence

Asiwáju Bola Tinubu, the incoming president, condemned what he termed “isolated” cases of infractions, ethnic slurs, and violence that followed the 2023 General Elections, declaring that the elections are now over and the healing process can begin.

 

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, quickly dismissed Tinubu’s call for healing after a violent election as the height of hypocrisy.

 

These occurred as The Washington Post praised the general elections, stating that despite some obvious flaws in the process, the democratic system had held and was holding remarkably well thus far.

This comes as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, urged those dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded general elections to seek redress in court and avoid violent demonstrations.

 

In what appeared to be a post-mortem of the elections, Tinubu stated that the 28-state presidential election and the 36-state state legislative election brought the 2023 election cycle to a fitting conclusion.

 

While praising President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and other stakeholders, Tinubu stated that consolidating democratic governance at the sub-national level will lead to greater development and an improved standard of living for the masses.

 

Let us rise above sentimental foibles.

 

Condemning the violence and other negative trends that followed the conduct of the elections, the President-elect urged Nigerians to rise above the foibles of partisanship, ethnicity, and religious sentiments and to place a greater emphasis on the “strings that bind us together as a people.”

 

He stated, “I am saddened by the reports of isolated violations during the elections and in their aftermath in certain states. I strongly denounce it. Also, the report of arson after the announcement of the results for the governorship in one state did not reflect our true nature as peace-loving people.

 

“Physical and verbal assaults are unacceptable and antithetical to the democratic spirit.”

 

“Elections should be a celebration of the maturing of our democracy and the freedom of choice, not a time of sorrow. I am particularly distressed by instances of ethnic slurs that are capable of causing unwarranted mischaracterization that have been reported in some locations.

 

“My appeal is for us to rise above our differences, which, in reality, are fewer than the valued ties that bind us together as a people, regardless of our birth circumstances.

 

“As the former governor of Lagos State, I can attest to the power of diversity and unity. As your incoming president, I intend to infuse national governance with the inclusive spirit we fostered in Lagos, so that together we may realize our full potential.

 

“I will prioritize expanding civic space and protecting the freedom of citizens to exercise their rights within the confines of the law.

 

“In fact, the elections have concluded. The people have elected their governors and state legislators for the next four years through voting. Now is the time for leadership and governance.

 

“In a democracy, the majority has the final say, but that majority must not silence the minority’s voice. As democratic individuals, we must protect free speech. Winners must be magnanimous, and losers must have a large capacity for tolerance and regard for the greater national interest.

 

He demanded that all elected officials take immediate action to unite the populace and lead the healing process.

 

“Immediate steps must be taken to unify the people, both those who voted for us and those who did not. We must advocate for the healing process by embracing our adversaries and their supporters.

 

“As previously stated, the time for politicking has passed. Now is the time for nation-building, a task that transcends any one person or section of society. We need every available hand from wherever it may come,” Tinubu said.

 

Atiku argues that Tinubu’s call for healing after unleashing violence is hypocritical.

 

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dismissed Tinubu’s call as the height of hypocrisy.

 

He praised the U.S. government for condemning the violent and racially charged election in Lagos State.

 

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Tinubu expressed regret over what he termed “infractions in some states and divisive rhetoric that characterized the elections.”

 

In response, Atiku, through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, described Tinubu’s statement as “hypocritical garbage and an afterthought.”

 

In order to give his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, an advantage during the governorship election, Tinubu’s supporters attacked Igbo voters in Lagos, he said.

 

Shaibu stated that Tinubu continued to shield transport hooligans, politicians, and even traditional leaders in Lagos who were captured on video threatening non-indigenous individuals.

 

Atiku stated, “Tinubu’s most recent statement is full of hypocrisy and lies. Tinubu remained silent for an entire month as traditional leaders, transport hooligans, and politicians in his camp threatened non-indigenous individuals.

 

“MC Oluomo, a member of his presidential campaign council, was captured on video threatening Igbo citizens, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“His campaign spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga and Femi Fani-Kayode, took to social media to warn Igbo citizens against exercising their right to vote, while Tinubu turned a blind eye.

 

“Traditional rulers imposed curfews and slaughtered and placed goats in front of polling stations, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“A traditional leader and council chairman in the Gbara community of Eti Osa local government called a meeting at which they threatened non-indigenes with eviction if they did not vote for the APC, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“Those invited by the police declined because Tinubu is protecting them.” On election day, many Igbo-looking people were beaten and prevented from voting, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

He has found his voice and is preaching reconciliation now that his party has stolen the election. He should communicate this to the marines.

 

“If Tinubu is sincere, he must ensure that everyone found to be responsible is arrested and prosecuted. However, we are aware that he cannot do so because he is their godfather.”

 

The statement by the US Embassy in Nigeria condemning the violence against the Igbo was also hailed as a positive development.

 

He stated, however, that the United States should have gone further by naming those deemed responsible and revealing the identities of those who will be subject to visa restrictions.

 

Atiku added, “We commend the United States and European Union governments for condemning the violence and intimidation that marred the governorship election, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu’s henchmen held the state to ransom.

 

“However, the United States knows the identities of the perpetrators of violence and should have mentioned them.” MC Oluomo holds U.S. citizenship.

 

“The United States must also name others, including traditional rulers in Lagos, who were complicit in the crime.

 

“In the past, the United States has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin of Russia and others found wanting in other nations.

 

“The time for political correctness has passed. Those whose visas will be revoked should be named and shamed.”

 

Atiku argued that there could be no reconciliation without restitution, adding that anything less would not heal any wounds.

 

Moreover, he argued that Tinubu’s electioneering demonstrated that he had no intention of uniting Nigeria and only sought power and Nigeria’s resources.

 

“Tinubu seeks only power. Before he assumed power, Lagos was known for its sophistication and hospitability. In Lagos, the late Nnamdi Azikiwe established his political foundation and business empire.

 

“In 1951, Mbonu Ojike, a native of Imo State, served as the Deputy Mayor of Lagos. Others from all over the country and the world established businesses and political careers in Lagos without interference.

 

“However, under Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Lagos has become an intolerant state where non-natives are openly beaten on election day and threatened with eviction if they do not vote for his party. Now he’s attempting reconciliation? What a joke!

 

“There will be no reconciliation until MC Oluomo and all of his accomplices who participated in issuing threats and brutalizing individuals are vigorously prosecuted.”

 

Nigeria leads the region toward democracy – Washington Post

 

In a related development, The Washington Post praised the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 and the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections held on March 18, stating that despite some obvious flaws in the process, the democratic system has held and is holding — far better than might have been anticipated.

 

In an editorial dated Monday, March 20, 2023, the publication referred to the election as a “messy affair” while also noting that many positive outcomes resulted.

 

It was stated that the opposition candidates’ decision to challenge the election results in court rather than resorting to violence and the absence of military interference were indicators that Nigeria’s electoral process could serve as a model for other African nations where post-election violence and coups had become commonplace.

 

The article stated, “Opponents of democratic government may be tempted to use Nigeria as an example of why democracy cannot work in Africa. In reality, the opposite holds true.

 

“In Nigeria, despite its chaotic and flawed process, the system has held and is holding far better than could have been anticipated up to this point. True, the February 25 presidential election in Nigeria was a chaotic affair.

 

Some voting locations did not open on time. A new electronic voting system that was supposed to upload results from 176,000 polling locations to a central website appeared to fail. There were reports of sporadic violence in a few locations, and ballot boxes were reportedly stolen at gunpoint. 28.6% of eligible voters did not show up.

 

Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the current ruling party, was declared the winner on March 1 with 36% of the vote. However, due to the problems, the result is being contested by his two closest competitors, Atiku Abubakar, who received 29% of the vote, and Peter Obi, who received 25%.

 

‘’Mr. Abubakar, Mr. Obi, and their supporters assert that the chaos during the election indicates that the voting was rigged in favor of the ruling party, but they have yet to provide concrete proof of wrongdoing. They are requesting a new election. This does not imply that the vote should be disregarded. In fact, many positive effects resulted.

 

“It is encouraging that the unsuccessful candidates are pursuing their claims in court. They have until March 31 to submit their petitions to Nigeria’s appeal court tribunal, which is expected to render a decision in writing within 180 days.

 

“Despite the heated rhetoric, no reports of post-election violence, intimidation, or threats have been received. No one has blocked highways, as occurred in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro’s re-election bid was unsuccessful. The supporters of the opposition party have not attempted an uprising.

 

Nigeria’s military remained absent.

 

“Secondly, Nigeria’s military has remained neutral. Since Nigeria’s generals ruled the country following a series of coups throughout the 1980s and 1990s, this was not a given. In Africa and elsewhere, purportedly flawed elections have served as a convenient pretext for militaries to annul election results and seize power.

 

“This occurred in Myanmar in early 2021, despite the absence of any evidence of fraud. If Nigeria’s generals remain on the sidelines this time, it may be evidence that Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy have moved beyond their history of coups.

 

“Third, this election proved to be Nigeria’s most competitive since the return of democracy in 1999. Surprisingly, each of the three leading candidates, Mr. Tinubu, Mr. Abubakar, and Mr. Obi, won 12 of the country’s 36 states. And Mr. Obi, who according to some polls was predicted to win, could claim a stunning victory in Lagos state, Mr. Tinubu’s home territory.

 

‘’Mr. Obi’s campaign was driven by young, better-educated, social media-savvy urban voters, but he failed to make inroads in more rural and traditional areas. However, at 61, he is nearly a decade younger than Mr. Tinubu, who is 70, and he is expected to remain active in politics for many years.

 

“Nigeria’s neighbors and major trading partners, including the United States, have all accepted the result, which, despite problems, the majority of international observers deemed to be largely free and fair.

 

However, a delicate period awaits. If President-elect Tinubu is ultimately confirmed as the victor, Nigerians will have to accept him as the legitimate winner. This means that the losing candidates should have their day in court and be able to present any evidence that election day problems affected the final outcome.

 

“Officials have asserted that technical glitches, not sabotage, were the cause of the system slowdown, citing poor internet connections and heavy traffic. To restore trust, however, they must demonstrate this with candor.

 

“All election day irregularities must be examined in detail. And the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must determine what went wrong and make the necessary corrections.

 

Despite scattered reports of violence, Saturday’s elections for 28 governorships and state assemblies appeared to be much better organized and passed without major problems.

 

“Even a flawed election in Nigeria can set a precedent in a region of Africa where coups are more common than election campaigns. Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby, who seized power when his father was assassinated in 2021, has repeatedly delayed elections and prevented a return to democracy among Nigeria’s neighbors.

 

“After coups in 2020 and 2021, military leaders in Mali have delayed elections until 2024. In 2021, the first democratic leader of Guinea was deposed. There have been numerous coup attempts in Niger.

 

“Benin’s President Patrice Talon has clung to power by stacking the parliament with his supporters, which must approve presidential candidates. Since 1982, President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon.

 

“A Nigerian election will not transform Africa into a democratic utopia. However, it may indicate a different path.”

 

Those who are wronged should file a lawsuit — Sultan

 

In the meantime, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, have urged those dissatisfied with the results of the recently concluded general elections to seek redress in court.

 

Recall that complaints have persisted in the wake of the presidential/National Assembly and governorship/State Assembly elections, prompting prominent Nigerians to urge those who are dissatisfied with the results to seek redress rather than resort to violence.

 

The Sultan, who spoke at a Ramadan symposium with the theme “Ramadan, the Month of Blessings” yesterday, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and ensure peaceful coexistence after the general elections.

 

He stated, “We must embrace peace with our siblings and not permit politics to destroy our relationships. Any politician who feels wronged should seek legal redress.

 

“Now that politics and elections are over and the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, we must seek forgiveness from each other.

 

“This is to be among those whom Allah will bless with multiple rewards during the holy month.”

 

The sultan also advised Nigerians to avoid disagreements and violent tendencies now that the elections were over and God had chosen the country’s leaders.

Aswáj Bola Tinubu, the incoming president, condemned what he termed “isolated” cases of infractions, ethnic slurs, and violence that followed the 2023 General Elections, declaring that the elections are now over and the healing process can begin.

 

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, quickly dismissed Tinubu’s call for healing after a violent election as the height of hypocrisy.

 

These occurred as The Washington Post praised the general elections, stating that despite some obvious flaws in the process, the democratic system had held and was holding remarkably well thus far.

This comes as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, urged those dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded general elections to seek redress in court and avoid violent demonstrations.

 

In what appeared to be a post-mortem of the elections, Tinubu stated that the 28-state presidential election and the 36-state state legislative election brought the 2023 election cycle to a fitting conclusion.

 

While praising President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and other stakeholders, Tinubu stated that consolidating democratic governance at the sub-national level will lead to greater development and an improved standard of living for the masses.

 

Let us rise above sentimental foibles.

 

Condemning the violence and other negative trends that followed the conduct of the elections, the President-elect urged Nigerians to rise above the foibles of partisanship, ethnicity, and religious sentiments and to place a greater emphasis on the “strings that bind us together as a people.”

 

He stated, “I am saddened by the reports of isolated violations during the elections and in their aftermath in certain states. I strongly denounce it. Also, the report of arson after the announcement of the results for the governorship in one state did not reflect our true nature as peace-loving people.

 

“Physical and verbal assaults are unacceptable and antithetical to the democratic spirit.”

 

“Elections should be a celebration of the maturing of our democracy and the freedom of choice, not a time of sorrow. I am particularly distressed by instances of ethnic slurs that are capable of causing unwarranted mischaracterization that have been reported in some locations.

 

“My appeal is for us to rise above our differences, which, in reality, are fewer than the valued ties that bind us together as a people, regardless of our birth circumstances.

 

“As the former governor of Lagos State, I can attest to the power of diversity and unity. As your incoming president, I intend to infuse national governance with the inclusive spirit we fostered in Lagos, so that together we may realize our full potential.

 

“I will prioritize expanding civic space and protecting the freedom of citizens to exercise their rights within the confines of the law.

 

“In fact, the elections have concluded. The people have elected their governors and state legislators for the next four years through voting. Now is the time for leadership and governance.

 

“In a democracy, the majority has the final say, but that majority must not silence the minority’s voice. As democratic individuals, we must protect free speech. Winners must be magnanimous, and losers must have a large capacity for tolerance and regard for the greater national interest.

 

He demanded that all elected officials take immediate action to unite the populace and lead the healing process.

 

“Immediate steps must be taken to unify the people, both those who voted for us and those who did not. We must advocate for the healing process by embracing our adversaries and their supporters.

 

“As previously stated, the time for politicking has passed. Now is the time for nation-building, a task that transcends any one person or section of society. We need every available hand from wherever it may come,” Tinubu said.

 

Atiku argues that Tinubu’s call for healing after unleashing violence is hypocritical.

 

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dismissed Tinubu’s call as the height of hypocrisy.

 

He praised the U.S. government for condemning the violent and racially charged election in Lagos State.

 

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Tinubu expressed regret over what he termed “infractions in some states and divisive rhetoric that characterized the elections.”

 

In response, Atiku, through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, described Tinubu’s statement as “hypocritical garbage and an afterthought.”

 

In order to give his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, an advantage during the governorship election, Tinubu’s supporters attacked Igbo voters in Lagos, he said.

 

Shaibu stated that Tinubu continued to shield transport hooligans, politicians, and even traditional leaders in Lagos who were captured on video threatening non-indigenous individuals.

 

Atiku stated, “Tinubu’s most recent statement is full of hypocrisy and lies. Tinubu remained silent for an entire month as traditional leaders, transport hooligans, and politicians in his camp threatened non-indigenous individuals.

 

“MC Oluomo, a member of his presidential campaign council, was captured on video threatening Igbo citizens, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“His campaign spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga and Femi Fani-Kayode, took to social media to warn Igbo citizens against exercising their right to vote, while Tinubu turned a blind eye.

 

“Traditional rulers imposed curfews and slaughtered and placed goats in front of polling stations, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“A traditional leader and council chairman in the Gbara community of Eti Osa local government called a meeting at which they threatened non-indigenes with eviction if they did not vote for the APC, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

“Those invited by the police declined because Tinubu is protecting them.” On election day, many Igbo-looking people were beaten and prevented from voting, but Tinubu remained silent.

 

He has found his voice and is preaching reconciliation now that his party has stolen the election. He should communicate this to the marines.

 

“If Tinubu is sincere, he must ensure that everyone found to be responsible is arrested and prosecuted. However, we are aware that he cannot do so because he is their godfather.”

 

The statement by the US Embassy in Nigeria condemning the violence against the Igbo was also hailed as a positive development.

 

He stated, however, that the United States should have gone further by naming those deemed responsible and revealing the identities of those who will be subject to visa restrictions.

 

Atiku added, “We commend the United States and European Union governments for condemning the violence and intimidation that marred the governorship election, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu’s henchmen held the state to ransom.

 

“However, the United States knows the identities of the perpetrators of violence and should have mentioned them.” MC Oluomo holds U.S. citizenship.

 

“The United States must also name others, including traditional rulers in Lagos, who were complicit in the crime.

 

“In the past, the United States has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin of Russia and others found wanting in other nations.

 

“The time for political correctness has passed. Those whose visas will be revoked should be named and shamed.”

 

Atiku argued that there could be no reconciliation without restitution, adding that anything less would not heal any wounds.

 

Moreover, he argued that Tinubu’s electioneering demonstrated that he had no intention of uniting Nigeria and only sought power and Nigeria’s resources.

 

“Tinubu seeks only power. Before he assumed power, Lagos was known for its sophistication and hospitability. In Lagos, the late Nnamdi Azikiwe established his political foundation and business empire.

 

“In 1951, Mbonu Ojike, a native of Imo State, served as the Deputy Mayor of Lagos. Others from all over the country and the world established businesses and political careers in Lagos without interference.

 

“However, under Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Lagos has become an intolerant state where non-natives are openly beaten on election day and threatened with eviction if they do not vote for his party. Now he’s attempting reconciliation? What a joke!

 

“There will be no reconciliation until MC Oluomo and all of his accomplices who participated in issuing threats and brutalizing individuals are vigorously prosecuted.”

 

Nigeria leads the region toward democracy – Washington Post

 

In a related development, The Washington Post praised the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 and the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections held on March 18, stating that despite some obvious flaws in the process, the democratic system has held and is holding — far better than might have been anticipated.

 

In an editorial dated Monday, March 20, 2023, the publication referred to the election as a “messy affair” while also noting that many positive outcomes resulted.

 

It was stated that the opposition candidates’ decision to challenge the election results in court rather than resorting to violence and the absence of military interference were indicators that Nigeria’s electoral process could serve as a model for other African nations where post-election violence and coups had become commonplace.

 

The article stated, “Opponents of democratic government may be tempted to use Nigeria as an example of why democracy cannot work in Africa. In reality, the opposite holds true.

 

“In Nigeria, despite its chaotic and flawed process, the system has held and is holding far better than could have been anticipated up to this point. True, the February 25 presidential election in Nigeria was a chaotic affair.

 

Some voting locations did not open on time. A new electronic voting system that was supposed to upload results from 176,000 polling locations to a central website appeared to fail. There were reports of sporadic violence in a few locations, and ballot boxes were reportedly stolen at gunpoint. 28.6% of eligible voters did not show up.

 

Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the current ruling party, was declared the winner on March 1 with 36% of the vote. However, due to the problems, the result is being contested by his two closest competitors, Atiku Abubakar, who received 29% of the vote, and Peter Obi, who received 25%.

 

‘’Mr. Abubakar, Mr. Obi, and their supporters assert that the chaos during the election indicates that the voting was rigged in favor of the ruling party, but they have yet to provide concrete proof of wrongdoing. They are requesting a new election. This does not imply that the vote should be disregarded. In fact, many positive effects resulted.

 

“It is encouraging that the unsuccessful candidates are pursuing their claims in court. They have until March 31 to submit their petitions to Nigeria’s appeal court tribunal, which is expected to render a decision in writing within 180 days.

 

“Despite the heated rhetoric, no reports of post-election violence, intimidation, or threats have been received. No one has blocked highways, as occurred in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro’s re-election bid was unsuccessful. The supporters of the opposition party have not attempted an uprising.

 

Nigeria’s military remained absent.

 

“Secondly, Nigeria’s military has remained neutral. Since Nigeria’s generals ruled the country following a series of coups throughout the 1980s and 1990s, this was not a given. In Africa and elsewhere, purportedly flawed elections have served as a convenient pretext for militaries to annul election results and seize power.

 

“This occurred in Myanmar in early 2021, despite the absence of any evidence of fraud. If Nigeria’s generals remain on the sidelines this time, it may be evidence that Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy have moved beyond their history of coups.

 

“Third, this election proved to be Nigeria’s most competitive since the return of democracy in 1999. Surprisingly, each of the three leading candidates, Mr. Tinubu, Mr. Abubakar, and Mr. Obi, won 12 of the country’s 36 states. And Mr. Obi, who according to some polls was predicted to win, could claim a stunning victory in Lagos state, Mr. Tinubu’s home territory.

 

‘’Mr. Obi’s campaign was driven by young, better-educated, social media-savvy urban voters, but he failed to make inroads in more rural and traditional areas. However, at 61, he is nearly a decade younger than Mr. Tinubu, who is 70, and he is expected to remain active in politics for many years.

 

“Nigeria’s neighbors and major trading partners, including the United States, have all accepted the result, which, despite problems, the majority of international observers deemed to be largely free and fair.

 

However, a delicate period awaits. If President-elect Tinubu is ultimately confirmed as the victor, Nigerians will have to accept him as the legitimate winner. This means that the losing candidates should have their day in court and be able to present any evidence that election day problems affected the final outcome.

 

“Officials have asserted that technical glitches, not sabotage, were the cause of the system slowdown, citing poor internet connections and heavy traffic. To restore trust, however, they must demonstrate this with candor.

 

“All election day irregularities must be examined in detail. And the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must determine what went wrong and make the necessary corrections.

 

Despite scattered reports of violence, Saturday’s elections for 28 governorships and state assemblies appeared to be much better organized and passed without major problems.

 

“Even a flawed election in Nigeria can set a precedent in a region of Africa where coups are more common than election campaigns. Chad’s military leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby, who seized power when his father was assassinated in 2021, has repeatedly delayed elections and prevented a return to democracy among Nigeria’s neighbors.

 

“After coups in 2020 and 2021, military leaders in Mali have delayed elections until 2024. In 2021, the first democratic leader of Guinea was deposed. There have been numerous coup attempts in Niger.

 

“Benin’s President Patrice Talon has clung to power by stacking the parliament with his supporters, which must approve presidential candidates. Since 1982, President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon.

 

“A Nigerian election will not transform Africa into a democratic utopia. However, it may indicate a different path.”

 

Those who are wronged should file a lawsuit — Sultan

 

In the meantime, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, have urged those dissatisfied with the results of the recently concluded general elections to seek redress in court.

 

Recall that complaints have persisted in the wake of the presidential/National Assembly and governorship/State Assembly elections, prompting prominent Nigerians to urge those who are dissatisfied with the results to seek redress rather than resort to violence.

 

The Sultan, who spoke at a Ramadan symposium with the theme “Ramadan, the Month of Blessings” yesterday, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and ensure peaceful coexistence after the general elections.

 

He stated, “We must embrace peace with our siblings and not permit politics to destroy our relationships. Any politician who feels wronged should seek legal redress.

 

“Now that politics and elections are over and the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, we must seek forgiveness from each other.

 

“This is to be among those whom Allah will bless with multiple rewards during the holy month.”

 

The sultan also advised Nigerians to avoid disagreements and violent tendencies now that the elections were over and God had chosen the country’s leaders.

(TNT)