In the wake of political killings experienced across the country on Saturday during the Presidential and the National Assembly elections 2019, A-list comedian and social commentator, Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Dye has said the country should never forget them, describing them as heroes of our democracy, particularly those caught in the crossfire and carnage of political profligacy.
In a narrative message to Vanguard, the humour merchant said, “It’s quite unfortunate that lives have been lost in the cause of a democratic process, resulting in the deaths of some youths who have no reason whatsoever to sacrifice their lives on the basis of supporting any aspirant or political party. The most painful part of the issue is that many innocent citizens who went to render patriotic responsibilities have also being killed. I sympathise with their families and their loved ones. Although our democracy is young, many innocent souls have continually paid the price to protect it. I grieve these moments with the families of our departed heroes of democracy, who didn’t instigate violence but were killed in the cause of working or participating in the just concluded elections. May the souls of all those that have been lost in the cause of democracy be remembered and kept alive by those who shall be elected.”
I Go Dye, who demonstrated his commitment to peace during the election by initiating a video challenge tagged #Istandforpeace2019elections gave out 5 thousand dollars to five winners who could come with best video skit to promote peace during the election is saddened by the widespread violence that characterized the elections, particularly with the youths being mostly the victims. “In the cause of promoting peace, we used our platform to encourage and reward those that added their voices towards non-violence, which had us spreading this information to the larger society. However, we are faulting some of our leaders because it’s quite unfortunate that the lives of our youths were mortgaged because of their personal interest. May the souls of all those that have been lost in the cause of democracy be remembered and kept alive by those who shall be elected, by sacrificing their comfort and upholding the virtues of selflessness and patriotism in the delivery of their duties. Once again, congratulations to all Nigerians for believing in democracy and sustaining the choice of using the PVC as a means to define our future,” he said. I Go Dye is a UN Global Goals Ambassador, World Habitat Ambassador working to actualize the United Nations goals. In 2017 he won the Africa Child prize making him an African Child Ambassador. He is also a Ukaid/Yaf goodwill Ambassador on Making A Difference Against Corruption Today (MADACT).
