Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, decried the apprehension caused by threats of mass violence by the political class in Nigeria, saying, "we must work to change the type of election that we have, to the type of election that we want."
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Fashola also added that election should be free of violence or fear, adding that it should be a carnival full of fun, a kind of family fiesta where everyone will have the opportunity to duly participate.
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"Parties and candidates will have to work hard to seek for new public post or to retain their post," he said.
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The governor who made this known at the 2014 Annual Thanksgiving service, at the State House, Ikeja, said that the appreciation about the. general elections will do the country more good if they are devoid of violence and fear.
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According to him: "I have chosen to speak about elections because they have become a major prayer point in the last few days heralding a new year. Many are afraid, and perhaps, understandably so.
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"While elections are moments to savour, and make informed decisions and choices about the way forward in most parts of the world; we seem to have contrived to deny ourselves of the pleasure and fun that elections should bring.
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"I remember in my re-election in 2011, it was a carnival and fun, a confident confrontation with the electorate and a family fiesta where even our children participated, because we worked hard and kept our promises.
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"The question then to ask is why can this not be the case every time and everywhere? Why should we be moving soldiers and policemen in large numbers just because we are going to vote? Why should we be scared and very prayerful every election year?
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"I have nothing against those who pray. What I quarrel with is prayer without effort. So let me say categorically that while we should pray, we must also do a lot of work to change the type of elections that we have into the type of elections that we want.
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"That work is not government work. It is work that you and I will do."
We don't need anyone to tell us that in this country because that is how it is supposed to be. Violence will never be a positive thing.
This is a fantastic news. Violence in the country is nothing to write home about. It has to stop