By Gabriel Chy Alonta
Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, the Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Anambra State command, Innocent Okolo has called on the public to ensure that every of their activity is geared towards promotion of peace during and after the elections.
Mr. Okolo made the call during the commands end of the year lectures and Peace Ambassador Award Program, held in Awka, the Anambra state capital on Sunday. The event was themed ‘the Effects of Youths Violence in an Election’.
While noting that the theme was informed by the need to raise awareness on the essence of peace in youths engagement in politics, Okolo said youths need to embrace peace in all its forms to achieve sustainable growth and development, as well as in promoting free, fair and credible elections in the state.
He said the occasion was also to honour distinguished individuals in the state who have worked closely with the body in achieving its core values and who have also brokered peace in their various communities.
In a remark, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Chris Eluemunoh, said that peace plays a vital role in human activities and noted that there was need for peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections to ensure sustainability of the nation. He urged youths and other actors in the political activities to consider the peaceful existence of the nation above self interest.
“Do not give in to any political rascality but see yourselves as future molders of positive Nigeria. Take your destinies in your hand and work to achieve peaceful elections that would produce credible leaders that can change Nigeria’s narratives for the best”, he said.
Dr Nnaeneka Abamara, a consultant clinical psychologist and mental expert harped on the need for a peaceful environment that can promote decisions and actions, remarking that youths should see themselves as builders of great nations. He advised youths to understand that being part of violence in elections is to their own detriment.
Earlier, Mr. Anthony -Mary Amali, the LOC chairman, said the event was organized to discuss the importance of peace in election matters. While tracing the history of PCN, Amali said the command partners relevant federal and state governments establishment to provide necessary leadership in the core mandate of the Corps including peace-building, neighbourhood watch, community service, volunteerism, youth empowerment, intelligence gathering, among others. He said that the collaboration has facilitated good and cordial relationships between the agencies and PCN Anambra command.
“Anambra has witnessed many security challenges and youth-related restiveness, as well as other vices so we are worried about implications of youth violence in elections”, he said.
Award of Peace Ambassador was given to Chief Chris Eluemunoh, Mr Mike Ikegbunam, Mr Jude Akpua, Mr Chidi Ibemeka and others. Akpua and Ibemeka are political candidates for Anambra State House Assembly.