Rotary International, District 9110 Governor, Omotunde Lawson, FCAI has called for peace in the forthcoming general elections across the country.
The call was made at the symposium held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday, February 23rd.
The symposium which held in commemoration of “World Peace and Understanding Day”, a day set aside by Rotary International to advocate peace all over the world annually since it was founded same day, 118 years ago. This year’s edition of the event organized as a symposium by the Rotary District is tagged: "Benefits of Credible, Free and Fair Elections to a Developing Economy".
The symposium was held in collaboration with Rotary Club of Lagos as the host club; as well as Rotary Clubs of Apakun, Egbe, Egbeda, Ewutuntun, Gowon Estate; Ipaja New Dawn; Isolo; Isolo Metropolitan; Okota; and Okota Golden.
District Governor Omotunde Lawson, FCAI in her speech, noted that the event is coming just in time, few days to the forthcoming general elections in the country while calling on all Nigerians to cast their votes peacefully. “Rotary does not concern itself with partisan politics but rather, advocate peace to partisan politicians and encourages all to exercise their civil responsibilities without fear, favour, and prejudice. In doing this, Rotarians should be guided by the 4-Way Test and we want to lead non-Rotarians to do what we do”, said the Rotary DG.
The Keynote Speaker, Amb. Dr (Mrs) Eniola Ajayi, Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands who also engaged in a very enlightening panel discussion alongside other guest speakers commended the Rotary club for continuously being at the forefront of promoting peace since it was founded on February 23, 1905.
She emphasized the importance of peaceful conduct of elections which “eliminates the fried enemy dichotomy in political communities and engenders peaceful transition from one administration to another.”
“It’s not an easy thing to manage a smooth transition of power for over 20 years. I am really grateful that we have managed that, she said.
“Usually, an election is deemed to have been peacefully conducted when it is adjudged to be free and fair. It has further been determined that an election is said to be peacefully conducted when it is free from fear”, Dr. Ajayi further stated adding that, “fear is inconsistent with freedom in making electoral choice; hence, the benefits of free, fair and credible elections can never be overemphasized.”
Speaking further, she highlighted the benefits of peaceful conduct of elections to include increase voters’ turn out and participations and citizens are more likely to vote in peaceful elections when they feel like their votes will count. "Peaceful conduct of elections will promote unity and reduce polarization or divisiveness by promoting peaceful and constructive political dialogue.
"Peaceful elections promote human rights and the rule of law. They improve citizens’ overall quality of life as peaceful elections can lead to increased economic prosperity, better public services and improved living conditions. Peacefully conducted elections enhance peaceful, lawful and democratic means of resolving political dispute. It will promote cooperation and foster healthy relationships with other countries, she stated.
At the end of the panel discussion, appreciation awards were presented to the keynote speaker as well as all the discussants and the moderator.
A special posthumous award was also presented to late Reverend Sister Dr. Henrietta Alokha, SSH who lost her live while saving students from a collapsed building. The award was received by her brother.
Also present at the event were the President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Joseph Akhigbe, Chairman of the District World Peace and Understanding Day Planning Committee, Chester Apasi, club presidents, district leaders, as well as members of the other collaborating clubs.
