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The National Coalition on Affirmative Action has called on Edo State citizens to embrace peace and integrity to ensure a smooth electoral process in the September 21 governorship election.
The group also urged the electorate to use their Permanent Voter Cards to cast their votes for candidates of their choice and not to be used to violate the Electoral Act or guidelines.
In a statement by the state Coordinator and President of the Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics, Florence Gbinigie, NCAA also called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as electoral conflict tools in the hands of mischief makers or electoral conflict merchants.
She said, “ I am using this opportunity to call on Edo people to embrace peace as the election draws near. They should use their PVCs to vote for a candidate of their choice.
“The youths should not allow themselves to be used to cause electoral violence. They should understand that a tool is dropped when it is no longer needed, therefore, they need to be wise.
“Women suffer the outcome of violence more, so we are soliciting for peace at this time.
“We all know that conflict and violence are always high during the election period. Citizens, contestants and their supporters should be able to control their emotions at all times. They should use peaceful ways to drive home their grievances without resorting to killings, maiming or destroying lives and property. This act can take our dear state backwards.
“It is quite disturbing that over the years, despite all campaigns and signing of peace accords by candidates and political parties, violence continues to bedevil our politics and citizens have developed apathy towards the whole process.
“The rate of kidnapping has increased and the citizens can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed or go about their social life freely. Consequently, the story is not different in other spheres of the economy.”
She called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the election is hitch-free.
