Shun Violence, ANEEJ, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Urge Edo Residents
Shun Violence, ANEEJ, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Urge Edo Residents
Benin City, Edo State. September 16, 2024…. Ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room have urged Edo residents to shun violence and support a peaceful election.
ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor made the call during a civic education and peace rally organized by the group across the three senatorial districts of the State. The Benin City rally, began at the Museum Centre on King Square, Benin City, and ended at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre.
ANEEJ Executive Director, David Ugolor explained that the rally was aimed at raising public awareness on the need for a peaceful and violence-free election in Edo State. “We are out to let the people know that we can elect the candidate of our choice without fight, violence and thuggery and we do not support any move to destabilize the election using violence, vote buying and selling, and other forms of irregularities. This rally is part of a broader effort by ANEEJ and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room to ensure a credible and peaceful election”, said Ugolor.
Speaking at the rally in Uromi, the Coordinator of JDPCI, Fr. Fidelis Arhedo emphasized the need for a peaceful election. “We are aware that as the election gets closer, tension is rising. The election should not be a do or die affair. We want a violence-free process—before, during, and after the election. We believe Edo people can cast their votes for the candidate of their choice without bloodshed or gunfire”, Fr Arhedo stated.
Ann Ojugo, the Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Edo State Chapter noted that “We are educating voters to promote participation while condemning election violence. We don’t want to see an increase in persons with disabilities or casualties resulting from election violence. We want an inclusive election that is devoid of violence,” Ann Ojugo emphasized.
Echoing these sentiments, Louisa E. Agbokhese from Echo of Women in Africa denounced all forms of violence, especially against women, stating, “We abhor violence before, during, and after elections. There is life after the election.”
NUJ Chairman, Edo State Chapter, Festus Alenkhe, who received the CSOs group at the NUJ press center in Benin, expressed hope for a peaceful election. “We hope that Saturday’s election will be peaceful. It is our hope that nobody will be shot or killed during the process, that people will vote peacefully, results will be counted peacefully, and the winner will be declared peacefully,” Alenkhe remarked.
In a call for heightened security measures, Alenkhe further stated, “As we speak, young people are being lured and mobilized for violence on Saturday. We are calling on the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and other security agencies to mobilize extensively and ensure that arms are not smuggled into Edo State. People should vote without intimidation.”
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