Kaduna LG elections: Youths charged to ensure peaceful, successful exercise

By Christiana Ekpa

The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has charged youth in Kaduna State not to allow themselves to be used to cause problems before, during and after the September 4 local government elections in the state.
Speaking during the Southern Kaduna Youth Dialogue for a violence-free Local Government elections held in Kafanchan, Rev. Hayab told the youth that it is high time they became vanguards of positive change, by seeking to grow instead of engaging in the old order of stagnation.
According to Rev. Hayab, “Time has come for Nigerians especially the youth to have a rethink of what is happening in the country and be agents of positive change that will usher the country into community of nations in terms of good attitudes, peace, unity of purpose irrespective of different interests but for the development of Nigeria.”
The GPFN Country Director, who is also the Kaduna State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), also tasked the electorate not to sell their destiny during the elections by resorting to collect meager amounts from politicians, but instead, they should vote based on their conscience and that the conviction of voting for leaders of integrity will move the local governments to greater heights in all spheres of life.
He reminded the youth that, “You are the major actors during elections. You should shun all forms of violence by recognising the fact that those to be elected must be above board in their thinking, perceptions and their willingness to give their best to the people because we are first human beings and members of one family under God, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or beliefs.”
Rev Hayab, however, advised the Youth Council to continue to organize and create platforms for the youths to interact with one another, which he noted would build trust and understanding between the followers of different faiths.
Earlier, the Youth Coordinator, Jema’a Local Government Area, Solomon Samuel urged the electoral umpire to ensure they announce the correct election results, stressing that problems normally emanate when the wishes of the people are trampled upon.
He cautioned the youths in the local government to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the local government elections, pointing out that election is not a do-or-die affair.