EBONYI
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Directorate has intensified its statewide campaign against electoral violence before, during and after elections in the state.
Mr Chima Titus, Agency’s Director in the state said during its visit to the Religious and Traditional leaders in Abakaliki local government area that violence remains a “huge threat” to the nation’s political system.
Titus noted the sensitisation campaign become necessary in the efforts to advance the nation’s democracy as well as achieving free, fair and credible Governorship polls reschedule for March 18.
Its reports that among the leaders visited incude: Mr Emmanuel Nwiboko, Paramount Ruler of Echara Autonomous Community and Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, Sakiri of Hausa Community in Ebonyi.
The Director decried the rate of violence during elections, especially the use of youth as major tools across states of the federation.
He stressed the need to preach the gospel of peace, urging all hands to be on deck in building the nation.
“With electoral Violence, bad leaders can emerge. We are appealing to you to continue to encourage your people for peaceful elections and the forthcoming population census in your respective communities.
“We, NOA staff are doing our best on sensitising people across the 13 local government areas of the state.
“We must all be reminded that elections will come and go. Leaders will come and go but Nigeria and Ebonyi in particular remains permanent.
“For life to be meaningful, we all need a peaceful and prosperous nation,” the Director added.
Mr Nwiboko, Paramount of Echara Autonomous Community thanked NOA for putting up the campaign programme and pledged to take the message to the grassroots.
Also responding, Gambo, Sakiri of Hausa Community commended the federal on the peaceful concluded presidential and NASS Polls across the country.
“I want to call politicians to embrace patriotism and love of our nation. You cannot claim to love our country and yet be plotting chaos and destruction of lives and properties.
“Well, we have hear the message and we are going to disseminate,” he said