By Dare Akogun
The Executive Director Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development , SCDDD, Ambassador Sani Saulawa Bala, has said that inorder to have a united country after the 2023 general elections Nigerians must engage in activities that will promote unity in the country.
He made this known while speaking at a leadership effectiveness and accountability dialogue, consultative forum held in Ilorin the Kwara State capital.
The theme of the event is “Nigeria and the Challenges of National Unity Beyond the 2023 General Election”.
Ambassador Bala emphasized on the need for all and sundry to eschew actions that can destabilize the country which is one of the major factor inhibiting the country’s development.
He said for Nigeria to still be called a country after the 2023 general elections, every one irrespective if religion or ethnicity should join hands in promoting National unity in our actions and utterances.
According to him “If we can’t see ourselves as one there is a great tendency that we will be working at cross purposes. We need to talk to each other to understand ourselves, respect our believes and individual differences inorder to have a country we will be all proud of,” he said.
Ambassador Bala however advised politicians and political parties to engage in issue based campaigns , which he described as the basic foundation of democractic process to produce visionary leaders.
He said the centre in conjunction with the Mac Arthur foundation is organizing the program across the size geo political zones of the country, as part of the commitment of the centre in enlightening the public as parts if its efforts in deepening national patriotism for the development of the country.
In his remarks Dr. Jean Mbombo of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies University of Ilorin and Chairman, Peace People Network said the government needs to increase the awareness on the need for citizens participation in election.
On her own part the Executive Director Challenged Parenthood Initiative Ms Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, said if the 2023 election will be possible many fundamental issues causing disaffection in the country is tackled headlong and addressed.
“This meeting is coming at an important time in the history of the nation , we must focus on issues that affects us as a nation especially the youths restiveness which we must look for ways to enhance their participation in Political activities in a positive way.
While mapping analysis on the challenges of National unity moderated by Senior Program Manager Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development , SCDDD, Sir Bola Abimbola participants identified problems that can mar the territorial intergrity of the country and proffers solution on how it should tackled ahead of the 2023 general elections.
