An organization known as the Fostering Achievement of Community Empowerment (FACE) Initiative has announced the launch of the “Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War” campaign in various regions classified as violence hotspots in Bayelsa State ahead of the 2023 general elections.
In a press conference on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa, Executive Director Inatimi Peter Odio stated that there was a need to address the issues of violent conflicts, hate speeches, vote buying, and other vices that have characterized Nigeria’s political and electoral processes since the country’s return to democracy.
He stated that the sensitization will be carried out in locations prone to electoral violence in the state, including the Oporoma community headquarters of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Nembe LGA, Ekeremor LGA, and Brass LGA.
He said: “The citizens particularly youth and women need to be awake to their responsibility of nation building through active participation in the electoral process. This group of citizens have remained at the fence for a long time because of voter apathy”
All non-governmental organizations, community and faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, youths and women groups should deepen engagement with relevant government agencies in demanding professionalism in the conduct of elections and also intensify sensitization of their constituents on the need to embrace peaceful elections.
Because the BVAS is an innovative game changer in Nigeria’s political process, youth are motivated to go acquire their PVCs and vote for the new Nigeria they want, rather than being manipulated by politicians to perpetrate election violence.
He also urged INEC to make effective logistical plans for employees and mobility for voting materials in order to improve election day coordination and avoid potential violence.
