Former minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigerians to eschew political bitterness because “we have a responsibility to make it peaceful for all”.
The economist and international development expert said she is proud her parent’s ages 90 and 88 respectively exercised their right to vote in Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
Speaking about the elections, Iweala said the reports of violence in some parts of the country are worrisome and unacceptable.
She said it is important that Nigerians tolerate one another irrespective of their diverse political interests.
In a series of Tweet, the economist enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace saying greatness can only be achieved in unity.
Her Tweets reads;
“Proud that my father, Prof Chukwuka Okonjo the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, and my mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo, exercised their right to vote at ages 90 and 88 respectively.
“The reports of pockets of violence in parts of the country are worrisome and unacceptable. As citizens of one nation, we need to tolerate one another irrespective of our diverse political interests.
“Nigeria is our only country and we have a responsibility to make it a peaceful and prosperous nation. Great countries were built by patriotic citizens who believe in the unity of their nation. No meaningful dev can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence & political bitterness.
“We are all Nigerians and what should be uppermost in our minds is the progress and greatness of our nation. This greatness can only be achieved when we live together in peace and unity without minding our political differences.
“Today, I have come to cast my vote because I believe in the Nigerian project. I want a united Nigeria where every citizen would have a sense of belonging. As a nation, we want a leader that will have the interest of our nation at heart. My concern is for a better Nigeria.
“Let us eschew political bitterness and remember that Nigeria is our only country and we have a responsibility to make it peaceful for all.”
– Prof Chukwuka Okonjo. Credit:
