Andrew Ajijah
Following prevailing violent clashes between rival political thugs in Kogi State over governorship elections in the state, a youth group has called for free and fair elections come Saturday, November 16, 2019.
The group, the Middle Belt Youth Forum on Wednesday, in a press release cautioned stakeholders in Kogi State to ensure a peaceful, fair and an acceptable election is conducted.
“There should be a free and fair election so that the choice of the people will be allowed to prevailed to avoid anything that will bring anarchy and violence in the already tensed state,” the group warned
The group’s press statement, which was jointly signed, in Jos by the General Secretary and Alaku Dan Kadarko and National Vice President, Amb. Mamot Adams, charged security operatives in Kogi state not to involve in the process of destabilising polls.
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The press statement however appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives and other critical stakeholders in the election to ensure that they discharge their duties with utmost sense of responsibility; and to be just to all parties.
It also tasked the electorates, and candidates of political parties contesting the in the election to ensure a peaceful process.
“Democracy can only be reinvigorated when the will of the people is made to prevail.”
According to the statement, Kogi State which has boundary with many other western and southern states, if they allow violence ignite in the state, it can spread to other parts of the country.
Middle belt youth forum stressed that all eyes are on the Kogi elections “whatever happen in the state is keenly observed by all Nigerians, therefore, the votes of the electorates should count.”
