Nigeria’s Legendary singer Innocent Idibia, fondly called 2Face has urged youths in Anambra to be agents of peace and shun violence during governorship poll in the state fixed to hold on the 6th of November, 2021.
The father of seven made the call on Thursday in Awka at the ongoing “Vote Not to Fight” campaign organised by the Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), in collaboration with the 2Face Idibia Foundation.
The campaign is however supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“We are here to dialogue with Anambra youths and campaign for peace, especially, as we prepare for the election, He said.
“Our youths are critical stakeholders; this is why politicians use them to cause violence. I want to tell you that violence has no gain but destroys lives and property.
“As youths, we need to promote peace, because without peace; the election cannot be free, fair and credible, and development too, cannot take place.
“Let us be aware that election is not war but a time for us to participate by voting wisely for the candidate that can help secure our future,” he said.
The singer compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to discharge their duties without any form of bias.
Also, he persuaded the electorate to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure a violence-free election on November 6.
Mr Ben Aga, Programme Director, NDI, while speaking said that the institute would always support programmes and campaigns that would ensure the effectiveness of the democratic process in the country.
Aga added that the NDI recognised the youth as assets and future of the country as well as key stakeholders in achieving a peaceful election in the state.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Eworo Echeng, asserted that the force was committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents before, during and after the election.
Echeng, represented by ACP Emma Ogbuanya, explained that they were collaborating with other security agencies, CSOs, community and traditional leaders in the area of intelligence gathering.
He appealed to the youth to embrace peace, he also advised the electorate to come out and vote on election dates without fear of attacks or harassment.
Also, Mr Nonso Orakwe, the Executive Director, CATYCOI, in his remark said that the role of youths in election-related violence had been particularly dynamic, as they had been perpetrators and victims at the same time.
“Due to eroding societal values and poverty, youths are easy recruits for attacks and violence during elections. With this campaign, we want to change the narratives and become ambassadors of peace in our nation,” Orakwe said.
(NAN)