Greetings to our courageous Rivers people. I welcome you to yet another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that voting is not only a right. It’s a power. The title of this episode is “The 2019 General Elections.”
Voting in a democracy is a major responsibility of citizens. We can shape tomorrow by voting today. And we must remember that we forfeit our right to complain if we don’t vote because bad representatives are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. Once registered to vote, people should then make every effort to vote in all elections. Many people dismiss this responsibility by saying that they do not care about the ways of politicians. However, by failing to use their privilege to vote, people essentially allow other voters to make decisions for them and to decide on so many issues that affect their Communities, State and Country.
The outcomes of elections can impact voters’ personal freedoms, taxes, education, health care and other aspects of daily life that they take for granted. Because of the far reaching impact that an election can have, citizens have a duty to cast their vote if they want to have a voice in how things play out in future.
The ability to vote is a privilege granted to today’s eligible voters by those who fought for it in the past either through the struggle for independence, war, grassroots movements, or legislative battles. It is a privilege to live in a democratic country, standing on the shoulders of these past giants, and we have a responsibility to vote because it honors those who have put their lives on the line to protect it. In addition, voting provides a sure and guaranteed safeguard for an enduring democracy where the younger generation can continue to experience the immense benefits of democracy.
As you step out to vote today, let me touch on an important reminder. Let us remember that Election Day, like other days, is not a day for violence. Let us be cautious, vigilant and watch over one another. Let us be courageous and refuse to be intimidated by those who have been misled into thinking that violence works. It does not work! Violence can escalate and breed more violence. Violence has been described as a tool used on the ignorant, a weapon of the weak because the strong of heart and brain do not need to do violence. Jesus Christ, our Lord, warned against violence in the time of desperation, when He told Peter to sheath his sword in the Garden. Let us preserve our State for our future generation. Let us send the right signal to the world that we are a peace-loving people who will not endanger lives and property no matter what is at stake. We have always proved this on previous elections. Let’s do it again today and in future elections!
Let us listen to our guest speaker as he throws more light on the subject, “The 2019 General Elections.” He is Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka a distinguished Lawyer and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State. Please enjoy the episode.
Our peace-loving Rivers people, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa).
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below