Wishing Nigeria Godspeed

Today Nigerians go to the polls in the most keenly contested elections since the country returned to democratic rule.

To state that the stakes are too high and the situation tense across Africa's most populous country is to understate the fact. Be it as it may, as you read this editorial queues have been made up and voters taking their turns to go through the pre-voting routines.

For those who have not prayed for a hitch-free polls in our closest neighbour, let them do so now. The impact of a civil strife during and after the Nigerian polls on Ghana can only be imagined.

We cannot afford therefore to be indifferent to developments in Nigeria. Since the death of Shehu Yar Adua and the ascension to the presidency by the man who is fighting tooth and nail to retain power – Goodluck Jonathan – Ghanaians have watched with keen interest developments in that country.

Those who ascend the presidency in Nigeria always become very close to our presidents here in Ghana, the two countries once belonging to the same stable—British Colonial Administration.

We call on the two main contestants bearing the flags of the PDP and the APC to be mindful of the combustibility of the country and conduct themselves accordingly.

It behoves President Goodluck Jonathan more than his opponent to maintain the peace, although General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) too has a role to play in that direction.

The excessive abuse of incumbency in a country which is highly charged at this time could be too costly for the peace of this polarised country and by extension, the West African sub-region.

Now that voting is taking place let the pre-election day rhetoric be stopped, lest it provides a spark that could pave the way for violence.

There is no denying the fact that mischief makers – and there are many of them – are just waiting for the opportunity to descend upon the streets to spread violence.

The two contenders can deny such persons the opportunity to ply their unwanted trade by holding their supporters at bay.

We pray for Nigerians not to allow themselves to be bought with bags of gari, rice and wads of money so they would vote for a particular candidate.

Let the electorate exhibit political maturity by declining to sell their conscience and votes. The interest of Nigeria is paramount and towers higher than any individual's. Those who distribute goodies so they can be voted for have by their actions showed what they are made of. It is left to the beneficiaries of these gifts to take decisions that would change the direction of Nigeria.

We ask that those who exhibit the traits which can change the lot of the rich but corruption-ridden country should be those to be voted for. God be with you, Nigeria.