Youths representing various communities in Plateau State have been called to partner in a peace project to engage youth and women’s participation in good governance and curbing electoral violence, before, during, and after the 2023 general election.
This was made known at the Bege Foundation monthly youth platform tagged “Gaskiya platform” in partnership with Peace Direct through LEGASI P4P held at the Augustinian training center, state low-cost in Jos, Plateau state on the 27th of October 2022.
Team Lead, Bege Foundation, Mr. Kenneth Attah, in his welcoming address, stated that the foundation established the platform in order to tackle issues affecting various communities as It relates to this month’s topic “Safer and peaceful communities: Youth conduct in curbing electoral violence, before, during and after 2023 general election”.
He added that justice will be done to all questions from participants by the various resource persons present as it relates to electoral issues in order to have a peaceful and smooth election.
A representative of the Special Task Force (STF), in his remarks, said that it’s time for every Nigerian citizen to uphold the national pledge to be faithful, loyal, and honest.
Say no to drugs, violence, and crime, be good ambassadors ‘see and talk’, use the 2023 opportunity wisely”
“If there is any case of security agents assisting in electoral malpractice then such a case should be recorded on phone and reported. There are ethics that must be followed and anyone who does not will” be punished accordingly”
While commending the foundation for the timely event Mrs. Chinyere INEC focal person urged all youth to vote their conscience emphasizing that any politician promoting violence has nothing to offer.
“Hunger and poverty know no tribe or religion therefore all must be truthful to their conscience and say no to violence”
“All registration for voters cards and changing of polling units has ended. the only thing left is for everyone to go and collect their voter’s cards”.
Speaking at the event Bello Lukeman a unity FM presenter stated that political campaigns shouldn’t be about ethnicity religion or tribes but issue-based. He urged participants to go to camping grounds with the intention of asking troubling issue-based questions rather than going to hail political parties and political aspirants on past achievements.
“If we are ready for change then we must go from bottom to top as Nigeria is an institution that needs the whole body to function. the presidency is not the only solution the houses and gubernatorial offices should also be voted right” he added.
Mattew Tegha, a blogger and social influencer advised participants to be smart in bringing positive change in the coming 2023 election.
“It starts from us (youth) realizing that being the leaders of tomorrow is by making an effort from today at the end of the day it comes down to us knowing why we are voting and getting engaged. For youths to be given a chance at leadership we must also get involved in political activities”.
At the end of the program, participants gave their take home and promised to go back to their various communities and educate friends and family on the need to shun all forms of violence in the coming election.
“We youths are the problem and the solution when we accept that then things will get better. stop complaining stop blaming, and take a step”
“It’s time to change the narrative and make things right we might not be equal in religion culture or ethnicity but we are equal in humanity so let’s fight for humanity,” one of the participants said.
