Democracy Day: Religion shouldn't be an issue in choosing Presidential Running Mate, what matters is Nigeria as a Nation,-Dr. Raymond Edoh

 

Since 1999, Nigeria has consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommitted themselves to ensuring the protection and preservation of the concept of democracy within its territory.

In 2018, Nigerians moved Democracy Day from the 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice.

On June 12th, 1993, Nigerians saw the best in their citizens as they all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th, 1993, they also saw the worst of their leadership as the elections were annulled.

An international Activist, Nigerian Youth Ambassador to the United States, and Secretary General Nigerian Youth Congress, Dr. Raymond Edoh has expressed delight toward the faith Nigerians has over the years built and sustained toward having a unified and peaceful nation despite all odds, ranging from insecurity, leadership prowess below expectation amidst many others through the balcony of democracy.

Dr. Raymond Edoh while speaking to newsmen today 12th June 2022 in Abuja thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern for Nigerian youths, pointing out that no President has ever recognized and empowered youths in the country since independence as he has done extremely well for the youths through lots of youth-related programs and policies.

Edoh while reacting to speculations on Muslim-Muslim ticketing for the 2023 Presidential election.

This is what he has to say,  "religion shouldn't be an issue in choosing Presidential   Running Mates, what matters is Nigeria as a Nation. Nigerians should focus on the credibility of candidates and their running mates and not on religion ticketing. 

"Nigeria is a religious country, yet what has the religion contributed to our nation's build? It has rather caused more differences than unity. At this point, there is a need to look far beyond religion. If Muslim- Muslim ticket holders are seen as credible, capable, and worthy of bringing in good governance for Nigerians, I don't think that there is any reason why electorates shouldn't vote them in. And if we see that Christian- Christian ticket holders of any political party are capable, why shouldn't they be voted in? Sure, they should.

" My point here is that we should place the leadership of Nigeria beyond religious differences and look at the credibility of the candidates and their running mates. What is important at this point is one Nigeria.

 How do we then sustain this nation without the credibility of those we install into power which shouldn't be on the bases of religion.

"Religion and leadership are two different things. I call on all Nigerians, especially the youths to stop looking toward the direction of religion and focus on competence", he added.

While urging Nigerian politicians to play fairly, he said, "We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in the future".