Ahead of the 2019 general elections , the United States Ambassador to Nigeria , Stuart Symington , has urged Nigerians not to vote based on promises but on the record of those making promises .
Symington said this in a video while wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas .
He urged Nigerians to remember that their future is in their hands and no foreign power can solve their problems but all solutions can only come from within .
The US ambassador said , “ As you go into 2019 you will be facing a new round of elections . What you do in those elections would be crucial not just for you but for all of us . And as you get ready , I ask you to think of three things .
“ First , charge your potential leaders with this notion: Say not just what you say you will do for the country but what have you already done . Second , it is incredibly important that you recognise that in a democracy , it is you who gets to make the decision . ”
Symington urged Nigerians to guard their Permanent Voter Cards and not sell it.
The US envoy urged Nigerians to report any anomalies on election day , adding that the task of improving democracy is a collective one .
He said , “ On election day and every day , the citizens of Nigeria are the ones that lead this country so take good care of your voter cards , make sure no one convinces you to either give it to them or sell it to them and on election day .
“ I hope you will vote and I hope you will vote for people who don ’ t just say the right thing but people who you are convinced based on their records will do the right thing for you and for others. ”
Symington praised the many Nigerians who had in one way or the other contributed to the development of the nation.
He specifically praised 83 – year- old Imam of Nghar village , Gashish District in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area , Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar , who saved about 300 persons on June 24 when suspected herdsmen invaded about 15 communities in the Barkin Ladi LGA , killing over 200 persons .
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