2023: Our Choices, Decisions Can Make Or Mar Our democracy – Amb. Igali

Igali spoke at the 2022 Press Week Lecture/Award ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel held at Casa De Pedro Hotel, Effurun, Uvwie Council Area of Delta State.

Igali who is chairman of the occasion, said that the choices and decisions taken by Nigerians in the forthcoming general election would make or mar the steady evolution of the nation’s democracy.

He urged Nigerians to make the right choice in all areas of the election.

Igali said that 2022 has a lot of significance and of special importance to the 2023 general election which he described as ‘a major watershed for the country’.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Federal Government to ensure better preparation for 2023 general election.

‘The process of going through an election is like most other journeys in human existence and planning’.

Igali who is the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), said, ‘There is need for proper planning, understanding the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and more importantly, proffering solutions to issues that present themselves in a timely manner.

‘In the words of Prof. Claude Ake, lack of proper preparation is synonymous to embarking on a journey without a map. This means the outcome could be calamitous.

‘Accordingly, the choices and decisions which we take in various sphere, particularly pertaining to politics and recruitment into governance will make or mar the steady evolution of our democracy and the overall nation building process which we are all critical stakeholders and committed to’, he said.

Dignitaries present at the event which is still ongoing include, immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and a former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1, the Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor among others.