The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged parents and guardians to caution their children against engaging in activities that could disrupt the electoral process during the upcoming polls on Saturday. This advice was delivered by the NOA Director General, Garba Abari, during a sensitization program held at the Ona of Abaji Palace in Abuja on Friday. The program, titled “Say No to Violence: Achieving Peaceful and Credible Elections Through Attitudinal Change,” is part of the agency’s advocacy and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting a violence-free and credible 2023 general election.
Reports indicate that 18 presidential candidates will be on the ballot for Saturday’s election. However, most Nigerians anticipate that the contest will primarily involve Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi from the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, who is running on the New Nigeria Peoples Party ticket. During the program, Abari, represented by the Director of Orientation and Behaviour Modification, Theresa Nnalue, warned youths against participating in political violence or thuggery before, during, and after the elections. She emphasized that no politician would allow their own children to engage in violence; instead, they often send others’ children to do so.
Nnalue stated, “Elections involve selecting your representatives and leaders—individuals you trust to fulfill their promises and meet your expectations. These are the people you should go out and elect.” She highlighted the fundamental principles necessary for a functioning democracy, including citizen participation, political tolerance, and the need for free and fair elections. Reflecting on past election-related violence, she noted that incidents such as thuggery, ballot box snatching, and killings have been prevalent. Since 2011, approximately 300 individuals have lost their lives during elections. She urged parents to speak to their children and discourage them from resorting to violence, emphasizing the desire for a peaceful electoral process.
In response, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, acknowledged that his community is aware of the new electoral act and will not tolerate any form of violence or vote-buying. He remarked, “Our people know what to do; you don’t need to speak too much. We also want fair, free, and credible elections.” Regarding the potential for violence, the first-class emir assured, “We have warned all parties involved, and I don’t think there will be any problem in Abaji.”
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