Religious groups and civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called for the prosecution of anyone involved in election violence as the country moves to the 2023 general elections.
At an inclusive security dialogue organised by the Global Peace Foundation in partnership with ADF International and Vision Africa and attended by over 300 youth leaders of religious, political and civil society groups; participants said prosecution of people involved in election violence will serve as a deterrent to others.
A communique issued after the dialogue which has representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA), Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Christians Lawyers Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Inter Religious Council, youth representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), People Living With Disability (PLWD), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN, Youth Wing); said Nigerians should embrace religious freedom.
Part of the communique states that “We declare and propose that in the pursuit of human security against plots to initiate violence, the national governments at all levels must:
“Implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), make use of reformist global development initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, build the capacity of the citizenry for human security and ensure youth inclusion in peace and conflict resolution.”
On electoral violence as the country heads into the general elections, the religious organizations said in recognition of Nigeria’s status as the largest democracy in Africa, with an electorate that is composed mainly of younger voters that rely upon free and fair elections, Nigerians must ensure the legitimacy and stability of the system of government.
“INEC must avoid poor coordination of any electoral process since a lack of confidence in an electoral system breeds violence, educate the youth on the dangers of electoral violence to democratic stability, support the active and positive participation of youth in the electoral process, create awareness about the electoral process and make the collation transparent and taking note of the importance of the upcoming presidential election and the grave responsibility facing the candidates and whoever may win to unite the country and provide practical solutions and leadership on a wide array of issues of concern,” the communique stated.
