People’s will should be allowed to prevail, says Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman (South West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged stakeholders to let the will of the people to prevail in the general elections.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos yesterday, George, who expressed his belief in the indivisibility of Nigeria, warned that the elections should not divide the country.

He noted that Nigerians and the European Union (EU) deserve apology from the All Progressives Congress (APC) party over Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s body bag threat.

The Kaduna State governor recently warned that any foreign power “that interferes with Nigeria’s general elections” would return to their country in body bags (as corpse).

George also urged the electoral umpire to create a level-playing field for all candidates, as voters go to poll today.

He said: “The time to take the right decision is now. We cannot afford to take a wrong decision because the consequences are enormous.

“We must allow the will of the people to prevail. Nobody should be manipulated or intimidated in any form. If we resort to violence and permit things that are uncivilised, where is the future in the country? We are no longer in the dark days. There is no more hiding place for those who want to cause mayhem, as there are cameras everywhere, and they will be caught.”

The beauty of democracy, according to him, is that every four years, politicians must come back to the people to renew their mandate.

“Though it is slow, it is best for the country,” he added.

He noted that, irrespective of political or religious divide, every Nigerian should perform his/her civic duty and be part of history.

“This election is special for Nigerians to take a decision on the future of their country. Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are at the precipice. I appeal to all Nigerians that this is a singular opportunity to address those areas that have plagued our development.”

George warned that any attempt to compromise the elections could bring about unimaginable consequences, adding: “We heed the warnings of the international community. Don’t cause violence.”