Director-General of the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture, Mr. Chineme Onyeke, addressing the press on Wednesday in Abuja
Director-General of the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture, Mr. Chineme Onyeke, has called on Nigeria’s political leaders and citizens to embrace peace, unity, tolerance and responsible leadership as the country prepares for future elections.
While speaking to the press on Wednesday in Abuja, Onyeke stressed that Nigeria’s diversity in political affiliation, ethnicity, religion and regional identity should never become a source of hatred or division, noting that Nigerians share a common destiny and a collective responsibility to protect the nation.
“Nigeria must always be greater than our political differences. As we prepare for future elections, let us choose the path of peace,” he said.
According to him, political leaders have a critical responsibility to promote peace and stability, urging them to exercise restraint, patriotism and responsible leadership at all times.
He appealed to political leaders not to allow young Nigerians or their supporters to be used as instruments for violence, hatred, intimidation or division.
“Leadership is not simply about winning elections. It is about protecting the people, strengthening democracy and preserving the future of the nation. Our young people should be empowered to build Nigeria, not mobilised to destroy it,” Onyeke stated.
He equally urged Nigerian citizens to recognise their responsibility in safeguarding the country’s democracy, stressing that political differences should never destroy relationships, communities or the national bonds that unite Nigerians.
“We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can compete without destroying one another. We can choose different leaders and still remain one people,” he said.
Remembering the Vision of the Founding Fathers
Onyeke also called on Nigerians to remember the ideals and vision of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and other founding fathers of the nation, particularly their aspirations for a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a weakness, stressing the importance of justice, democratic values and a shared commitment to national development.
“Our elections should be a celebration of democracy, not a season of fear. Let every vote count, let every voice be heard, and let every dispute be resolved peacefully and within the law,” he said.
Peace Must Come Before Politics
The Director-General maintained that the Nigeria Nigerians desire cannot be built through violence, but through peace, tolerance, justice, credible leadership and national unity.
He therefore called on all stakeholders to place the national interest above partisan considerations.
“Let us choose peace before politics, Nigeria before personal interest, and unity before division for the sake of our children, for the dignity of our nation, and for the vision of our founding fathers,” Onyeke urged.
He concluded with a call for Nigerians to work collectively toward peaceful elections and a united national future.
He said: “Let us give Nigeria a peaceful election and a united future.
“One Nigeria! One People!! One Destiny!!!”
