Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF), says the Keffi Unity Polo Tournament will go a long way in creating harmony among Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the tournament on Sunday in Keffi, Nasarawa state Mustapha said: “We need to lower the heat in the political atmosphere.
”Platforms like this will create harmony and for people to be at ease, watch a game of polo and reflect on the issues of Nigeria is a welcome development.
” On the coming elections, the only responsible thing for the people to do is to make sure that they register to vote so that their voices may be heard.”
The SGF urged Nigerians to avoid acts that will further aggravate the already tensed situation in the country.
“We should take a cue from what just happened in Kenya where a declaration was made at the end of an election and instead of resorting to self help the loser went to Court.
”And the Court had the opportunity to give its verdict and the loser accepted the verdict in the interest of the nation.
”I think that is a very good lesson that we should imbibe as a nation.
“At the end of the exercise in 2023, there will obviously be a winner, so the loser must either accept the loss in good faith or approach the Court to be heard.”
He said the off-season election in Osun was a testament to the Federal Government’s readiness to be neutral come 2023.
” As a government, we have demonstrated that we will never interfere with the electoral process.
”The off season election in Osun was a clear demonstration of our commitment to a clean and fair electoral process,” Mustapha added.
He also commended Mr. Ahmed Wadada for his initiative, adding, ”it was capable of creating harmony across political divides.”
Also speaking, Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, praised the objective of the tournament, which according to him attracted several dignitaries and politicians from different political parties.
Dare pledged to ensure that his ministry supports any sporting activity that promotes unity among Nigerians.
“Using polo as a tool to promote unity of our country is very encouraging and we pray that more people will play Polo.
”The ministry will always support every sport that engages Nigerians and promotes unity, whether it’s polo, golf, football or athletics
” The idea of hosting a national polo game came up and Wadada discussed it with us and we supported it.
”I am happy to see the dignitaries here and polo has truly been used to promote harmony, so, Wadada had done a great job, ” he said.
PDP Presidential candidate, ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, represented by Babangida Aliyu, former Niger governor described the tournament as apt and critical in bringing people together.
”This provides an opportunity to have open conversations in a friendly atmosphere on issues causing divisions in the country.
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“Coming here is very important, because we need these kinds of activities bring people of all kinds together to understand that politics is not a physical war.
”Instead, it should be more a war of wits, a war of ideas. A war of getting people to appreciate who to vote for,” he added.
APC Presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, was represented by Yusuf Husseini, Director-General, Tinubu Presidential Ambassadors of Nigeria and Diaspora (TPAND).
He said that bringing all the political stakeholders together indicated that the 2023 General Elections would be devoid of rancour.
”Hence the call on more Nigerians to emulate Keffi Polo ranch by coming up with initiatives to promote unity.
“This tournament is a very good platform for all individuals, irrespective of party affiliations to come and express their oneness and one love.
”We are together and will work together for the success of the electoral processes,” he said.
Ogianme Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri and the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa, extolled the objective of the tournament.
The duo pledged to support any initiative geared towards fostering peace and unity in their domains and in Nigeria in general.
Ahmed Wadada, Founder and Promoter of Keffi Polo Ranch said that organizing the tournament with the objective of promoting unity was as a mark of responsibility and responsiveness.
He said: “As a mark of responsiveness in the sense that we all know what obtains today in our political dealings.
”The tension is so much. So, being responsive to it made me to be responsible to have conceptualized this tournament.
“We have been able to convey the message of the objective of the tournament.
”This is to create a platform that will bolster peaceful coexistence of the political gladiators and players who will also in the long run ensure a hitch-free general elections in 2023.
“We have demonstrated that it is not everything that must be viewed through the realm of politics.”
Wadada stated there were people from all the political divides, adding, ”this is the message we try to preach.
”The tournament is centred around unity and the representation here has shown.
“The spirit of sportsmanship obtainable in sports in general and the game of Polo in particular must be seen to prevail in the forthcoming elections.
We must know that not all will be winners in the coming election. So, as we prepare to win, we must prepare to accept defeat if it comes.”
The final of the tournament, Team Malco Mines defeated Team Keffi Ponys 8-7 via penalty shootout to win the tournament’s champion trophy.
