Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged youths to renounce all forms of violence, particularly electoral violence, to foster peace and support the nation’s socio-economic development.
The Ona of Abaji and chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Baba-Yunusa, made this call during a forum in Abuja organised by the non-governmental organisation Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiatives. The forum aimed to promote violence-free elections ahead of the FCT area council polls.
The organisation launched a sensitisation campaign in the Abaji and Kwali area councils to raise awareness about the dangers of electoral violence, which has posed significant challenges to Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999.
Describing the initiative as a welcome development, the Ona of Abaji emphasised, “Proper engagement of the youths in meaningful ventures will go a long way to curtail electoral violence in the territory.”
The Etsu of Kwali, Gaba Luka Nizassan III, also stressed the importance of politicians encouraging their supporters to avoid “politics of bitterness,” which he identified as a primary cause of electoral violence in the country.
Miss Ayotola Ilori, coordinator of Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiatives, called for traditional rulers’ increased involvement in advocating for violence-free elections.
Ilori also recommended stiffer penalties for electoral offenders as part of comprehensive measures to ensure peaceful elections across the country.
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