Next Week: Can Electoral Violence be Averted in Nigeria?

* Yes, there is cause for alarm in the Nigeria of today. The political class and stakeholders need continuous orientation on peaceful election. Security operatives will ensure law and order, protect lives and properties, and also ensure a peaceful election. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos * Obviously; the devaluation of the naira coupled with reduction in foreign reserve and collapse of price of oil are issues of great concern. This is compounded by over-heating of the system by politicians who are very myopic. - Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director, MacArthur Foundation, Abuja * It is easy for Nigeria to develop faster and be more united if the various sections are happy with the governance structure. Setting things right must include granting more autonomy to the federating units with reduced powers at the centre. The current very tense situation is a clear indication that all is not well with Nigeria. - Mr. Neville Kikpoye-Jonathan, Abua National Associates, Amalem-Abua, Rivers State * Yes, the major problem upsetting Nigeria today is the inflation from devaluation of our currency and its biting effects on the masses. We need to diversify our economy urgently. Also, voters’ cards must be in the hands of bonafide owners, to enable easy enfranchisement during elections. Results must be announced by INEC only. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos * There is every cause for alarm in Nigeria and too much hatred and sentiment among Nigerians in so many areas. Let Nigeria return to regions, maybe with the current six geo-political zones, and a less attractive centre, regions will search for their area of strength. - Mr. Okechukwu Ikonne, Ogbor Aboh- * We are the architects of out problems and we must find solution to it because God will not come from heaven to solve it. We know where we do wrong. - Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * What can be done to shore up the economy quickly after this tense moment is for the next government to heavily shed financial weight to reduce the cost of running government. The real austerity measure should be borne by government. - Mr. Anonymous, Ogun State * The general elections have generated so much tension among the people. The massive relocation of people to their states of origin has created so much fear about what may befall the country. Security agencies and INEC must assure Nigerians of a peaceful conduct of the elections. - Mr. Boniface Kassam, Bauchi State * Nigeria needs comprehensive reforms so political campaigns don’t cripple economic activities. There is grave cause for alarm politically and economically because political campaigns have become battles and the economy is hampered by policy inconsistency and poor regulatory frameworks. - Comrade Emmanuel Onwibuko, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Abuja * Governing with fear of God, transparency and probe of corrupted leaders would bring rapid development in every sector. Let us use the coming elections to get it right; let us change our orientation of voting. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Yes, there is. Is there any country that can survive two governments at the same time? I heard that if the opposition fails to win, there is going to be parallel leadership. This is a serious cause for alarm and a call for our prayers. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * There is a serious cause for alarm. The political landscape is worrying, the hate speeches and propaganda is creating fear, and people are relocating to their home states or out of the country. Government has got to do more on the elections; while the citizens must engage actively in the process. It is only Nigerians that can save Nigeria. - Mrs. Idayat Hassan, Executive Director, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Abuja * Yes, there is cause for alarm, as violence seems to increase despite the signing of peace accords by political parties. The problem of the economy is partly linked to the fear of political instability. We must hold the elections as re-scheduled and then ensure adequate security against possible violent reactions to the results. - Mrs. Ada Agina-Ude, Executive Director, Gender and Development Action (GADA), Lagos * The position party has mismanaged power in the last sixteen years but grand corruption and impunity crested in the last four years, plunging the country into political and economic downturn. With this quandary, we need to move furniture around, make new friends, give out our old clothes and buy new ones. That is the way to go. - Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, Legal practitioner, Abuja * There is indeed cause for concern given the extant tense political and economic situation in Nigeria. Citizens must be on their guard, demand accountability and transparency in governance from the leaders at all levels of government and at all times. - Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, SERAP, Lagos * Certainly! The hate speeches should stop immediately. Politicians should focus on issues, not personalities, and parties should be held accountable for offences of their followers. Let us focus more on developing Nigeria and eradicating poverty, enthroning democracy, good governance and accountability. God bless Nigeria. - Mrs. Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu, Abuja * There is no cause for alarm. The only solution is to let us get the political front right by ensuring we achieve credible elections. Then whoever comes in can tackle the economy by running a multiproduct economy based on agriculture, solid minerals and tourism. Corruption also needs urgent attention. - Mr. U.S Ladan (Snr), Engineer, Conflict Manager, H/R Activist, Jos, Plateau State * There is no cause for alarm. Our skin as a nation is thick and no matter the bashing we know how to shift. When we fall off the cliff edge, we might wake up from our complacency! - Mr. Akin Fadeyi, CEO Bufferzone Ltd, Abuja * The good thing is that as a country we have extraordinary capacity to withstand any eventuality that might arise even though there is cause for alarm. 2015 election will come and go successfully but Nigeria will remain. Our politicians need not throw out the baby with the bath water. Nigeria will come out better. - Mr. Kunle Osungbesan, Banker, Lagos As the military services move to stamp out insecurity in Nigeria, another threat is the issue of potential violence in the coming general elections, which are just two weeks from now. With the rising animosity between the political combatants, analysts and even other African countries are apprehensive about the elections’ outcome. How best can violence be averted or minimised in the coming polls? Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (March 12 & Monday (March 16) to AND

Respondents can also send a short text message to

and/or Collated responses will be published on Thursday, March 19

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