What to do before, during and after elections–Adedimeji

The Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged Nigerians to do 15 things before, during and after the forthcoming elections in order to be in peace with one another.

Dr. Adedimeji gave this advice, which he called “5x5x5 Principle” while delivering his address at the Special Public Lecture organised by his Centre last Tuesday (March 17, 2015) at the University Auditorium.

According to the Director, before the election, “collect your Permanent Voter's Card (keep it jealously; I keep my own where I keep my ATM Card); resolve to vote on the day of elections (planning not to vote makes you look irresponsible); avoid venturing out at night (most evils are traditionally perpetrated under the cover of darkness); don't discuss your political beliefs with strangers (you never know who is who) and don't sell your right for pittances (your children will pay for your indiscretion”.

Speaking further, Dr. Adedimeji, who is also a columnist with a number of newspapers/periodicals, said, on the days of elections, “arrive early at the election venue (early to come, early to go; the early bird catches the worm);  bring your food and water along  (it is always better to be on the safe side); conduct yourself with discipline and responsibility (you are to vote, not fight), cooperate with electoral officers and security agencies (trust is not always expensive) and avoid arguments as much as possible (it's always better to lose arguments and win friends than the other way round).

The last five things to do after the voting/elections are, “when your vote counts, go home peacefully; accept the result as announced, if you feel cheated, seek redress in court; avoid and discourage violence; and believe that success is further struggle and failure is not final, he said.”