The Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Mr. Habu Zarma has said , “a successful general election is the role of youths as strong partners with INEC”
Over 300 Christian and Muslim youths from flash point areas of Plateau State have been given orientation on how best to conduct themselves during the forthcoming general elections so that the State will achieve a violence-free elections.
The event organized yesterday by Bege Foundation in Jos and tagged “Youths and Democracy” drew youths participants from Jos North and Jos South as well as other rural communities in the State.
Addressing the participants, the Foundation’s Acting Director of Programmes, Blessing Omaga took the youths through modalities of eschewing electoral vices and urged them to get their voters card and not put them on sale.
Mr. Fani Leonello of Apurimac Onlus spoke on “a smooth transition, the role of the international community in ensuring a credible election in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, Prof. Isawa Elaigwu represented by Mr. Danjuma Jise appealed to the youths to think about their future and what it holds and desist from mortgaging their bright future to satisfy the selfish interest of politicians.
However, various papers were presented at the event including that of the State Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Olivia Dazyem who spoke on “the role of youths in supporting government to ensure a smooth and successful democratic transition.
Others include, Gad Shamaki who spoke on “violence-free and fair election: the role of youths in strengthening and consolidating on existing democratic structures” and Chom Bagu who spoke on “voter apathy, the role of youths towards an improved voters’ turn out.”
All speakers appealed to the youths to shun violence, political thuggery, embrace peace and not allowed themselves to be used in ballot boxes snatching.
The youths who were also trained on early warning signs of conflict resolved not to make themselves willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who do not mean well for them.s
