Nigeria Presidential Elections 2011 - Exhortation for Peace, Calm and Non-Violence Whoever Wins

April 16, 2011 - PRLog -- For Urgent Release
DATE…15th April 2011………………….

Nigerian Presidential Elections 2011 - Counsel for Peace, Calm and Non-Violence from the Council for Afrika International

The Council for Afrika International counsels for calm, peace, respect for human life and human rights in the current Nigerian presidential elections. Afrika International urges all duty agencies including political parties, electoral commission and security institutions to demonstrate leadership, heightened vigilance and ensure that the elections are free, fair, civil, professionally conducted and without incident or malpractices. It is the responsibility of all Nigerians to exercise patriotism, national unity, put national interest first by resisting any temptations, no matter how enticing, and refuse conduct that could introduce violence and disrupt the exercise of democratic rights of Nigerians. The acts of violence that have already taken place in parts of the country are regrettable and should be desisted from, because they are unproductive and not in the interests of the public good. Africa International exhorts all contenders to accept the outcomes and for the would-be winner to make history by introducing constructive positive change that would transform Nigeria into an economic giant that brings prosperity to majority of Nigerians, eliminate poverty and desperation. By any means necessary, Nigerian leadership must avoid what happened in Kenya and the Ivory Coast, rather follow the peaceful example of Ghana’s democratic elections two years ago.

Dr Koku Adomdza, President of the Council for Afrika International, said that “Nigeria is one of the biggest democracies in Africa and the world with a population of about 150 million and one of the natural resource rich countries. A progressive patriotic leadership could usher in a new era of political and economic democracy that prospers all Nigerians and bring hope, stability and peace. Beyond natural resources, Nigerian has got the human talent pool, both within Nigeria and the Diaspora, which could transform Nigeria into one of the economic giants of prosperity and justice in the 21st Century.

“It is almost impossible to feel the burst of energy, entrepreneurial fervour and undiminished potential on a visit to Nigeria. Arguably one of the most diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-faith countries on the planet, Nigeria have all it needs to take off after these elections. With effective, conscientious, patriotic, selfless leadership and good governance, Nigeria could become a good model of success. Clearly, Nigerians need progressive positive change that puts the country and its people above all else. Unlike other countries in the world, Nigeria has enough wealth to make poverty history and eliminate the consequences of deprivation.

“The Council for Afrika International’s wishes Nigeria and Nigerians a most peaceful electoral experience and transition into a most prosperous chapter in its post-independence national development. We are keen that the next leadership has the wisdom, vision and the courage to turn Nigeria into an advanced economic and good wealth force to reckon with in the 21st Century. We remind the incoming political leadership, from federal to state authorities, to embrace progressive positive change that puts the Nigerian people first and launches new paradigms in education, employment, housing, health, infrastructural development that actualises the citizenship rights of all Nigerians. For any of these to happen, there must be peaceful elections followed by good governance.

“Whatever it takes, Nigeria must avoid the deplorable scenario that happened in Kenya and recently the Ivory Coast. Nobody is a winner, not even contesting politicians, in post election violence. It is unacceptably unethical for citizens to be used as collateral damage in settling political disputes. It is a mark of weakness of character, unpatriotic and regressive. In the unlikely event of a post-election impasse, we strongly advocate for non-violent, peaceful negotiations and political settlement propelled by wisdom. The Council for Afrika International reiterates its call for all political parties in each country in Africa to initiate, negotiate, adopt and sign a Memorandum of Non-Violent Political Campaigns and Elections, to demonstrate commitment to country and citizens, human rights and peace, which are necessary for collective stability, economic liberation, empowerment, prosperity and well-being.”

Notes to Editors
For Further information, please liaise through:
Web: www.councilforafrikainternational.webs.com
Email: afrikainformation@groupmail.com
Tel: +44 [0] 7092859886

The Council for Afrika International is a pioneering independent, victims-led, non-supremacist think and doing tank that works for the eradication of afrophobia and anti-africanism i.e. discrimination, injustice and all forms of cruelty directed at persons of African ancestry in consonance with UN Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, through advocacy, representation and campaigns for new platforms, schools of thought, approaches and paradigms by dedicated Centres of Excellence.

AFRIKA INTERNATIONAL positively promotes the reinstatement of the rights, wellbeing and security of Africans and persons of African ancestry as equal global citizens and peaceful coexistence within the human race. The Council counters structural constructs, policies, strategies and decisions that dehumanise and undermine the dignity of Africa, persons of African ancestry and the interests of the African continent. In the pursuit of our purpose, we adopt a joined-up approach for an international coalition of individuals, all relevant local, regional, national and international agencies through proactive partnership and engagement strategies.

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The first victims-led, change inspired, ethics-driven think and doing tank dedicated to the demise of afrophobia, afrophobism and antiafrophobism i.e. Dehumanisation, discrimination and marginalisation against global africans and the african continent