Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has congratulated Nigerians on this year’s democracy day.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu said Nigeria’s growing democracy can only be sustained if elections are devoid of rigging, manipulations and ballot box snatching.
He noted that the people’s mandate should be protected and guaranteed at all times.
He said this starts from the primaries of political parties where candidates for the general election are elected.
He said: “When the people genuinely elect their leaders, it brings credibility to the democratic process and promotes accountability to the people.
“In a situation where people force themselves into government positions through the back door, they owe no obligation to the people.
“They are more concerned about sharing tax payers money among their so-called political perpetrators and amassing wealth for themselves.”
Kalu said advanced countries have shown the benefits of free and fair elections, which is evident in the welfare of their citizens.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan on his aggressive strategy of curbing the Boko Haram insurgency with both the amnesty committee and state of emergency declared in some states.
However, he advised that the amnesty committee should be allowed some weeks to dialogue with the sect and if there is no positive response, the use of force can then commence.
He also called on the present administration to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver on credible elections.
Kalu called on Nigerians to remain calm and hopeful that the country will overcome its challenges and prayed to God to continue to give the people at the helm of affairs the wisdom to steer the “affairs of our great country, Nigeria.”
