…cautions against politics of bitterness
Former President of the Senate , Senator David Mark has urged all the stakeholders in the electoral process and Nigerians alike to rise to the challenges of conducting free, fair, credible and acceptable elections that will stand the test of time in February, 2023.
Senator Mark requested, “All the stakeholders; the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), the political parties , the security agencies , the Media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to take it as a call to national service to ensure hitch-free polls”.
A statement, on Sunday, by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, said the former Senate helmsman stated in his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians.
The statement quoted Mark as saying, “I crave for electoral process that is devoid of irregularities . I hope for an election result that will not attract litigation where the loser willingly congratulate the winner.
“This is the foundation and a sure way towards the socio -political and economic emancipation of the country “.
He noted that Nigeria had had a chequered political history in terms of electioneering challenges and hoped that the past experiences would guide the conduct of 2023 elections.
Senator Mark was, however, optimistic that the outcome of the 2023 elections would be satisfactory to all stakeholders if all the actors complied with the rules of the game.
Senator Mark also cautioned against electoral violence, saying it portends grave danger for the country .
He, therefore, urged candidates for the elections to educate their supporters against any act that could undermine the process.
Irrespective of their different political affiliations, Senator Mark reminded gladiators that everything must be done to protect and preserve the interests and territorial integrity of the country, saying, “Whichever way it goes, we have no other country than Nigeria”.