By Moses Nosike

The convener, founder, Peace For Free Initiative on the occasion of the maiden edition of peace for free lecture series, Mr. Chris Oge Kalu through his senstisation movement going on in different states in the country has advised Nigerian politicians, youths, all and sundry that the only way Nigeria can attain national, social and economic growth as a country is through tolerance, allowing an atmosphere for peace to reign and as well accommodating one another.

He also advised that no country thrives where citizens allow religious sentiment, leadership bias, ethnicity, politics to destroy their environment, saying further that Nigeria is our country and we should not destroy it because of politics.

Kalu told journalists in Lagos that they embarked on this noble course so that Nigerians will be wise not to allow this election and its outcome to burn the country, because if it happens it will affect all of us.

“For us to remain united, we must look beyond primordial sentiment, there is no society that doesn’t experience conflict which can immanent from tribal, ethical, unfair elections, religious etc. But in our own case here, we take it out of contest because of accumulated animosity. I hereby advise that we remain resolute to the course of one Nigeria, we have to embrace peace because it’s in the atmosphere of peace that we think progress. In the midst of chaos we can’t think anything. So, today’s lecture is to continue to educate our people that this is democratic process, and Nigerians went out to exercise their franchise, and the winner was announced, this might not go down well with some people, it’s normal in a democratic process. Let’s handle it well so that we can still live together as Nigerians. And again we trust the court process to be able to dispense justice no matter how bad it is. I believe there is so much good things in this country we can take out if we live in peace. The worse that can happen to Nigeria is to allow the military come back to rule again”.

Continuing, Kalu said that there’s no doubt that this year’s elections, so far have generated a lot of public attention, particularly from Nigerian youths who are remarkably increasing their political participation in our collective struggle for good governance unlike other times in the past. “This is more so because elections provide the opportunity for people to elect their preferred leaders in a fair, peaceful and credible process.

However, elections being important part of the democracy, which in itself is a process involving human and technological elements not absolutely immune from errors. Like all processes, democracy needs to be allowed to grow, to develop to maturity for most of the population to enjoy the promises and gains thereof.

Recent condemnations and uncertainties in our polity if not contained might lead to unfortunate disruptions and truncation of our democratic process. Its therefore our duty as law abiding and progressive citizens to remain faithful and committed to the democratic process as it develops so the gains of democracy can be realized”.

In addition, guest speaker, Professor Anthony Igyuve from the Department of Mass Community, Nasarawa State University in media chart with journalist at the event Lagos said that the essence of this event is to help spread the message of peace beyond elections in Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme: Sustainable Peace Beyond Elections, Prof. Igyuve said, “We have had the first round of elections, the National Assembly and the Presidential elections had come and gone, and they have thrown up issues that we think it’s important to preach the message of peace to Nigerians.

This is the essence of the Peace For Free lecture series we are holding nationwide.

Answering questions on the cause of violence during every election in Nigeria, Prof. Igyuve said, “it’s a matter of perception where people think that in every election circle their preferred candidate must emerged a winner. But in any contest, there are only two possible outcomes, you either win or lose. I think our contestants should go into any election prepared for either of the two. Whenever somebody loses, there is usually that ill feeling of having lost an election. Essentially it’s a matter of perception, believing that I was cheated out of the process, and these are kind of things supporters of those who lose election begin to feel that they have been short-changed and cheated out of the system. This is why we have tendencies of violence everywhere after an election circle”.

Prof. Igyuve said, “beyond that there also incidences that may have affected the process that produced the result, these are issues that have been raised by several people and I believe that the electoral empire and those concerned are working to ensure that the next round of elections do not have the same issues.”

Speaking on what should be done to ensure peace during elections, Prof Igyuve said that we must understand that there is universal concept of brotherhood of the human race. “The person you are going into election with is not an enemy, the person is simply a political opponent.

According to him, the moment of we begin to perceive election as a concept of ideas and not a war, then our elections will be better handled. “But where we see elections as war, that your opponent is an enemy that perception is wrong. If we begin to see ourselves as brothers who have a common goal to serve the interest of the people irrespective of who wins, then our elections will be devoid of the kind violence and unrest that we see particularly after result had been declared.

On those who are aggrieved about the outcome of the last election, Prof Igyuve further advised anyone who is aggrieved in an electoral process should seek redress in the court of law. “Democracy is a process, and elections themselves are also a process, the process of election doesn’t end with the declaration of results. The courts are there to take care of any grievances may arise out of the election. I advise the youths to be patience, calm and wait to see what the court will say irrespective of whatever grievances they take to court, they should not be tempted to take the laws into their hand.