The President advised men to be guided in protecting and promoting democracy in Nigeria, by ensuring full participation in the 2023 elections, adhering to regulations of the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and exploring redress in the courts.
President Buhari, who commemorated the International Men’s Day (IMD) today, November 18, acknowledged the pivotal role of men in ensuring a safe, peaceful and progressive environment, given their visible positions in families, governments, communities, and leadership in religious, traditional and political institutions.
The President expressed happiness that this year’s celebration places the spotlight on health issues, modeling and leadership roles, sacrifices and other multi-layered responsibilities of men, which include respect for women.
On the theme of this year’s IMD: “Men Leading By Example,” President Buhari called on men to take the front row in safeguarding and protecting national assets and shun acts of violence, like targeting of the offices and stores of the electoral body, which only adds to the cost of governance and projects the country as unstable.
He said that every citizen’s voice and vote matters in the choice of Nigeria’s leadership and governance, asking men in the country to provide the needed example of decency and decorum, and mobilize for the greater good of nation building.
The President commended the Local Organizing Committee of the IMD for setting an agenda for the 2023 elections, and remaining faithful in sensitizing men to be more patriotic, responsive and inclusive in decision making, at home and in the public.