As the Edo State Governorship election draws near, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has sensitized the public on the need for peaceful election because there is life after election.
The sensitization rally by over sixty Civil Society organizations comprising Non governmental Organizations, NGO’s, faith based organizations and Journalists through the Kings square and major roads to the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Press Center in Benin City was organized by the African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, ANEEJ with support from the UK International Development.
The people were sensitized on the importance of peaceful elections and discouraging any form of violence before, during and after the election and flyers with various inscriptions like, “Vote Don’t Fight, There is Life after Election and Say No to Election Violence,” were shared to the people.
As the peace messages were shared to passers bye during the rally, they were also told to desist from being used by politicians to steal ballot boxes and not to take money to vote.
Speaking at the NUJ Press Center, Innocent Edemhanria said, “We are out sharing the voting procedure and flyers to let the people know we do not want violence. Edo people can cast their votes without violence. We have a stake, that is why we are promoting peaceful elections.
The chairperson, Nigeria situation Room, Abiola Davis and others who spoke condemned violence, especially on women and the disabled.
“Persons with disabilities should be encouraged to come out to cast their votes without violence. We condemn violence before, during and after the election and youths should not be used as thugs.
The Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe commended ANEEJ for the rally, noting that the person that merit the votes should be declared the winner.
While calling on the Inspector General of Police with other security agencies to mobilize to make sure the election is peaceful, the NUJ chairman noted that people should be able to vote without any form of intimidation.
Amongst leaders of different NGO’s who took part in the civic education and peace rally was the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor.
