2023: Peace Foundation Urges Youths To Shun Ethnic, Religious Bigotry

Building Blocks For Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) has called on young people in the country to shun ethnic and religious bigotry as the 2023 general elections approaches.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, executive director of the foundation Rafiu Adeniran Lawal said with positive youth engagement and dialogue the 2023 general elections will be peaceful.

BBFORPEACE, which said elections in Nigeria are always marred by violence, added that young men and women who make up 60 percent of the voting population, have always been instigated to cause a crisis.

The foundation lamented that the number of small arms in circulation in Nigeria and in the hands of civilian non-state actors is estimated at 6,145,000 while the armed forces and law enforcement collectively account for 586,600 firearms adding that if the situation is not managed well, it could affect the elections.

The foundation, however, recommended that The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with other security agencies must work to ensure the country is safe before, during and after elections.

“The NPF has the responsibility to protect the electorate, INEC personnel and materials throughout the electoral period as contained in the NPF Standard Operational Guidelines/Rules for Police Officers on Electoral Duty

“The Federal and State Governments should jointly review immediately the nations and security strategies with the current security dynamics and trends, not only to ensure the safety and protection of voters and populations but also create, mitigate or enhance its preparation for the conduct of credible elections across Nigeria peace

“Nation-wide sensitization on civic education on voting processes and non-violence should be carried out immediately across Nigeria. Religious leaders must avoid preaching hatred and messages of division on their platforms and encourage their adherents to conduct themselves peacefully.