The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, (HD), in collaboration with Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, (BSIEC), has held a one-day Peaceful Election Programming for youths in Benue State.
The event had participants drawn from the numerous communities resident in Benue state including the Tiv community, Idoma community, Igede, Agatu, Etulo, Jukun, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulani communities.
According to Mr. Ibrahim Hassan from HD, the essence of the workshop was to sensitize the Benue public, targeting the youth and women, to contribute their quota to ensure that the forthcoming Local Government election in the state is not only successful but equally peaceful.
Hassan advised the youths to go back home and step down the knowledge they gained from the programme to the youths in their communities and to report early warning signs before, during and after the election; hate or angry speeches by politicians, presence of thugs at polling units, destruction of campaign materials of opposition among others, to enable constituted authorities nip it in the bud.
Hassan, who regretted that Benue has lost and buried too many people said now is the time for the youths to rise to the occasion and say no to violence. “We want to ensure there are no gaps in the conduct of the LG elections and where they exist, ensure it is addressed. We want to also use the occasion to sensitize the people on the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Chairman of BSIEC, Mr Tersoo Loko appreciated HD for facilitating and synergising with the commission to ensure peaceful election in Benue saying peaceful partnership was a panacea to a harmonious coexistence in any society.
The chairman who was represented by the commissioner of Operation, Mr. Donald Kertyo stated that the election umpire was ready and committed to holding a peaceful, credible, free and fair election in the state.
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He however regretted the suspension of the election indefinitely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but informed that as soon as the situation gets better, the commission will conduct a credible LG election in the state.
Also speaking, the State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Richard Abimiku said it was a deliberate gesture to take the youth on the election programming and urged them to go back home and support government efforts by educating their people on the right attitude during the election.
Mr. Abimiku said the country is loosing her values especially with the issue of materialism, urging the youths to imbibe the culture of discipline, respect
and love for their families, neighbours and country and use their strength and knowledge to better their immediate communities.
Speaking, members of the various communities present expressed satisfaction with preparations made by BSIEC so far and urged the commission to carryout a more elaborate sensitization and stakeholders’ engagement to encourage more participation in the election.
They also called on the electoral umpire to discourage monetization of elections, imposition of candidates and other malpractices just as they pledged to support the commission to achieve a credible and peaceful election by conducting door-to-door peace campaigns and well as using the social media to disseminate the “Vote In Peace, Vote For Peace” slogan.
Earlier, HD’s Project Associate, Nigeria, Olufemi Domkap said HD is an Non Governmental Organization working in Benue to help resolve conflicts among warring communities and assisting them to reach peaceful agreements. Its mandate includes promoting peaceful coexistence among communities and to achieve cohesion between them.