BY DAMOLA EMMANUEL
Like their compatriots at home, some Nigerians in the diaspora are saddened by the pockets of violence and fatalities that trailed last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria.
While speaking to The Crest, they frowned at a situation where some people see elections as war and urged patience, patriotism and better understanding of the tenets of democracy. They urged politicians to be strong on issues that will elevate the nation rather than appealing to base sentiments.
Excerpts:
Donald Osemeke, Ontario, Toronto
I was sad to read about the burnt ballot boxes in certain areas of Lagos. It’s disheartening that Nigeria keeps descending into this low. People should be allowed to express their free will. One day, the nation may not be able to contain the crisis electoral manipulations will generate.
Maryann Amaka Collins, Quebec, Canada
I was very worried for my Mum and siblings. Why must every election in Nigeria come with pains and bloodshed? I am also bothered that our people haven’t risen above ethnic and tribal settlements in advocating for political support. Most of what I read on social media have been revolving around petty issues. People should ask the right questions about hunger, poverty, per capita income, housing and general welfare for citizens.
But if our support is being driven by issues that won’t develop our nation, then, I can only wish Nigeria well.
Soji Adewusi, Atlanta, Georgia
The violence, mostly in the south, is disheartening. The federal government’s inability to provide adequate security reveals major crack in national security. So much irregularities. In as much as I don’t want PDP in government, we still have to hold APC accountable if they win majority in the Presidency, House of Representatives and Senate. If Nigerians keep doubting the sincerity of the President to carry all citizens along, it will eventually be a major blow to his legacy and integrity branding.
It looks like Saraki will lose his Senate Seat. I will be glad if he does. I don’t see the value he has added to Kwarans.
In all, another four years of Buhari will be painful but Atiku as President will be a return to the looting era. If PDP had chosen a different and better candidate with clean record, that candidate would most likely have defeated Buhari hands down!
Khairat Mohammed, Maryland, USA
For me, if the incumbent President wins this election but feels too fatigued owing to age to rule, he should resign and hand over power. But for him to hold onto power while, in the real sense, some individuals referred to as a Cabal hold the nation hostage, they are doing a lot of damage to President Buhari’s name and whatever integrity branding he came to power with. I agree he has confronted corruption, even if he has not fully succeeded, but there is no worse pain than when you cede authority to exploiters when you’re meant to be in charge. I wouldn’t have taken this serious if his wife did not keep talking about it. The nation is bigger than anyone and President Buhari and those in APC with him should stop behaving like no one else can deliver the nation. Also, this election should not lead to violence or unnecessary bloodshed because God gives power to whoever He wants. Losers should try another time. This applies to all the contestants, including the President.