Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a group known as Fostering Achievement of Community Empowerment (FACE) Initiative, has said it has begun the “Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War” campaign in some areas identified as violence flashpoints in Bayelsa State.
Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa, Executive Director, Inatimi Peter Odio, stated there was a need to address the issues of violent conflicts, hate speeches, vote buying and other vices that have characterised the political and electoral processes since Nigeria returned to democracy.
He said the sensitisation will be taken to areas prone to electoral violence in the state such as Oporoma community headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Nembe LGA, Ekeremor LGA and Brass LGA.
His words “The citizens particularly youth and women need to be awake to their responsibility of nation building through active participation in the electoral process. This group of citizens have remained at the fence for a long time because of voter apathy”
All non-governmental organizations, community and faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, youths and women groups should deepen engagement with relevant government agencies in demanding professionalism in the conduct of elections and also intensify sensitization of their constituents on the need to embrace peaceful elections.
Credit: dailypost.ng
