IVORY COST ELECTION CRISIS, A LESSON TO NIGERIA

The 2011 general election in Nigeria is gradually coming in just a few months time. Necessary arrangements have been put in place by the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election. There is therefore need for all aspirants both at the federal and state levels to accept the results of the elections in good faith and not to get into power by all means.
The Election crisis in Ivory Coast signaled a warning to Nigeria, especially the INEC and aspirants who are contesting in the 2011general elections to let the development of the country be paramount in their mind and not to cause chaos through election rigging that could lead to underdevelopment of the country.
In Ivory Coast, the country referred to as the world biggest Cocoa producer, the crisis between the winner of the election, Mr. Alassane Ouattara and the constitutional Council proclaimed incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, had led thousands of Ivorians, mostly women and children, to flee to neighboring Liberia and Guinea. The stalemate has also affected the economy of the country and its International relationship with foreign countries.
Fears are rising that the country may go into civil war as it did in 2002. Before the current crisis in the country, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been assisting some 13,000 Ivorian refugees who fled the 2002 civil war in their country, while they remain in exile in Liberia, Guinea and Mali.
This crisis in the country shows how desperate African leaders are thirst of power and will always want to remain in power for a long period. Several West African Countries, including Nigeria Liberia, Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia and Niger, will hold elections next year. The crisis in Ivory Coast should however serve as a lesson to them, especially the contestants.
Therefore, there is need for Nigerian leaders to have an open mind and establish a transparent Platform or mechanism for continues dialogue discussion and negotiation so as to carry everybody along.
Nigerians are tired of campaign of calumny, fake promises, character assassinations, by our politicians, especially those that are desperate to be in power come next year. The expectations of Nigerians are for them to fulfill all their electoral campaign promises.
Nigeria should learn from Ghana and South Africa that conducted credible elections. Our leaders should be mindful of the need to sustain the unity of the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission should create a level playing ground for all aspirants and should not allow itself to be influenced by Government or International bodies and stakeholders.
Our leaders should remember that what they do today, history will recall it tomorrow, just as the people remembers the likes of our founding fathers like, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro among others.