By Jude Opara
The need for youths to shun being used for electoral malpractices in the September 21, governorship election in Edo took centre stage at the one-day Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) engagement with youth groups in the state.
Peoples Daily reports that the one-day engagement was on the roles of youths in electoral processes in the state and the country.
The Speakers at the event that was held on Tuesday in Benin City unanimously decried the involvement of youths in electoral malpractices in the country.
In his address, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, (RE), Dr Anubbum Onuoha represented by Emmanuel Efeturhi Ogbodu, Administrative Secretary, Edo office of INEC, urged the youths to come out en masse for the governorship election.
He charged the youths to participate actively and positively in the gubernatorial election as they joined other Nigerians to participate in the nationwide protest against hunger and the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
Onuoha said the one-day engagement was to encourage the youths to participate in the electoral process.
He said INEC attaches great value to the participation of the marginalized groups including the youth in the electoral process.
According to him, “The commission’s major goal of its partnership with the young people is to strategically position them to better appreciate their stake as an important demographic and player in public space, capable of meaningful contributions to the democratic advancement of the nation.
In his goodwill message, Mr Osahon Woghiren, Edo State Director of NOA, condemned the youths for allowing themselves to be used as political thugs by desperate politicians.
“Some youths have been used as political thugs, being used to destroy electoral materials, vote buying among others, “he added.
Woghiren, who noted that it is time for the youths to stop being used negatively by the political class, urged them to shun all criminal tendencies and collaborate with INEC for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
On her part, Mrs Ben-Ushie Ifeoma, State Director of NYSC, appealed to youths to avoid being used as agents of electoral malpractices or tools in electoral issues during elections.
Ushie Ifeoma, represented by Mrs Okundia Iyobosa, NYSC Zonal Inspector, Oredo Local Government reminded the youths that their vote is their voice and power to shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
She, however, encouraged the youths to ensure that all their actions were within the confines of the electoral laws as well as support candidates who shared their values.
Ushie Ifeoma said the NYSC had in the past 12 years partnered with INEC to ensure that elections are successful in the country.
She, however, urged the youths to harness their collective power and responsibility to create the needed positive change, noting that their innovative ideas, strength, and dedication can transform Edo State and Nigeria’s future.
In his remarks, Jude Obasanmi, who spoke for the youth groups, advocated that youths should be given opportunities in Nigeria to help drive the process of good governance.
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