As part of preparation towards ensuring a peaceful and violence free 2023 general elections in Kogi central senatorial district, the Ebira Youth Congress (E.Y.C) has cautioned the politicians and political supporters to shun violence during and after the forth coming election.
Speaking at a one day symposium organised by EYC for politicians, youths and other stakeholders in the district on Tuesday in Okene town, the guest lecturer, Professor Muhammed Suleiman Audu of the Federal University, Lokoja, said lamented that the rising trend of election violence across the nation, especially between; 1999-2019 should be a source of concern for every Nigerians that has the interest of the country at heart.
Prof. Audu who expressed worry that Kogi Central is a leading character in election violence, which he described as “A Show of Shame”, stressed the need for congenial atmosphere for the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
While expressing worries that the tense build up to the 2015 general election are re-emerging in 2023, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Federal University, Lokoja, attributed the uncomfortable situation to greed and inordinate desire for power by politicians and called for urgent steps, in order to de-escalate the palpable tension in the country.
He however called for the expansion of civic education to shape the electorates, and urged government to criminalize election violence to curb the perpetration of recklessness in electioneering process in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the EYC President General, Comrade Aliu Ateiza Obiyo, explained that the EYC organized the symposium with the theme ““Sustaining Peaceful General Elections in Kogi Central”, featured a sub-theme titled, “Rule of Law and Not a Thug of War” to caution youths on the need to ensure a peaceful and non-violent 2023 general elections in the area.
The EYC president general who noted the reigning peace/calm in the area, called on politicians to complement it by ensuring peace throughout the electioneering process, stressing that election should not be taken as a do or die affair.
Also in his brief remarks , the chairman of the occasion, Chief Adinoyi Joseph Anivasa, commended the E.Y.C for organizing the symposium and reminded the youths of Kogi Central on the need to work for peace and progress of the area, in order to attain a better future.