Gowon Urges Nigerians To Vote Rightly

Gowon Urges Nigerians To Vote Rightly

A former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged Nigerians to shun sentiments and vote according to their conscience in the April general election.

Gowon made the call in Bauchi, while speaking at the North-East session of “Nigeria Prays”.

“We are not saying Christians should vote for Christians or Muslims should vote Muslims, but that you should vote for someone who is good,” he said.

Passionate Appeal

He also advised Nigerians to tolerate one another irrespective of their religions, ethnic group and whatever differences in order to ensure the development of Nigeria. 

Gowon, who is the Convener and Chairman of "Nigeria Prays,"  appealed to all Nigerians irrespective of faith to assist in praying for Nigeria's peace and development.

“I cannot do it alone. I need the support and prayers of every Nigerian so that at the end, we will have a joint success and glory. We value you, and I can tell you this, “Nigeria Prays” depends on you; it belongs to every Christian denomination, and every faith,” he said.

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, urged Nigerians to shun violence and thuggery, saying that such anti-social behaviours would not assist in the development of the country.

Yuguda, commended Gowon for initiating and sustaining the prayer programme, noting that the programme had gone a long way in changing the minds of Nigerians.

“Prayers like this will make people change, especially those who don't value the lives of human beings. They kill, plan wars and fights in the name of religion or politics. We thank you for your commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria,” he said.

Assurance

The governor gave an assurance that the people of Bauchi State and the government were committed to a free, fair and credible election in April.

Yuguda advised religious leaders to always admonish politicians whenever they made mistakes.

NAN/Margaret/ Qasim