By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA—AS Nigeria prepares to go into general elections this year, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has challenged them to consider prayers and patriotic conducts as great tasks they must embrace to ensure the success of the polls.

He said the longevity of the current democratic dispensation, which according to him, surpassed all others before it, was made possible by sacrifice, commitment, and determination on the part of Nigerians.

Senator Ekweremadu, who stated this in his goodwill message to Nigerians at New Year, described the forthcoming elections as a potential milestone for the nation’s democracy and development .

“The current democratic dispensation is unique in many respects. For the first time, we have been able to transit from one civilian administration to another. We have also enjoyed an unprecedented 15 years of democratic rule.

“Therefore, year 2015 presents us with yet another opportunity to build on our democratic gains. The elections call for a high sense of patriotism, decorum, forbearance, and strict observance of the rules among Nigerians, especially the political class, to make the process free, fair, and credible,” he said.

On the challenges resulting from the fall in oil revenue, Senator Ekweremadu assured that with President Goodluck Jonathan, the nation was in good and competent hands.