2019:Vote Based on Records of Candidates, Not Promises, US Tells Nigerians

As Nigeria prepares for another general election in 2019, the
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has urged
Nigerians not to vote based on promises but on the record of those
making promises.

In a video message where he wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas,
Symington reminded Nigerians that their future is in their hands,
stressing that no foreign power can solve their problems.

According to him, all solutions to Nigeria’s problems can only
come from within.

“As you go into 2019 you will be facing a new round of
elections. What you do in those elections would be crucial not just
for you but for all of us. And as you get ready, I ask you to think
of three things. “First, charge your potential leaders with this
notion: Say not just what you say you will do for the country but
what have you already done. Second, it is incredibly important that
you recognise that in a democracy, it is you who gets to make the
decision,” Symington explained.

Apparently referring to the increasing cases of vote-buying and
other electoral frauds, Symington urged Nigerians to guard their
Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) jealously and not sell it.

The US envoy urged Nigerians to report any malpractices they
observe on the day of any of the elections, adding that the task of
improving democracy is a collective one.

“On election day and every day, the citizens of Nigeria are the
ones that lead this country so take good care of your voter cards,
make sure no one convinces you to either give it to them or sell it
to them and on election day.

“I hope you will vote and I hope you will vote for people who
don’t just say the right thing but people who you are convinced
based on their records will do the right thing for you and for
others,” he added.

Symington praised the many Nigerians who had in one way or the
other contributed to the development of the country.

He identified the 83-year-old Imam of Nghar village, Gashish
District in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Alhaji
Abdullahi Abubakar, for special praise.

The 83-year-old Abubakar had saved about 300 Christians on June
24 when suspected herdsmen invaded about 15 communities in the
Barkin Ladi LGA, killing over 200 persons.

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