Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appealed to political leaders, party members and young people in the state to approach the unfolding electoral process with maturity, tolerance and restraint ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who made the appeal on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the State’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said political differences are natural in a democracy but must not destroy the bonds that unite people as families, neighbours and citizens.
‘I particularly appeal to our political leaders, party members and young people to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen to participate peacefully,’ he said.
The governor consequently urged Nigerians to uphold peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, saying the bonds of unity, peace and shared purpose celebrated at independence must continue to guide the country.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a continuing responsibility to the past, present and future, urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and contribute to building the nation they desire.
He said that generation did not bequeath a finished country to succeeding generations but the responsibility to build, preserve and improve it.
‘Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,’ the governor said.
He said the anniversary should prompt every generation to ask: ‘What have you done with the inheritance entrusted to you?’
According to him, building the Nigeria of citizens’ dreams could not be left to government alone, stressing that it required the collective efforts of Nigerians.
‘The Nigeria we desire will not be built by the government alone, but by the collective efforts of its citizens,’ he said.
He, therefore, appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued support and partnership with the state.