The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Sunday, urged Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs in the 2023 general election but to defend their votes and make sure it reflects the wishes of the people.
The organisation also called on the masses to defend themselves against killers in whatever guise while warning against electoral violence in all ramifications.
Mr. Belusochukwu Enwere who is the national chairman of YOWICAN, who gave the advice in a statement in Abuja asserted that the organisation, as a major stakeholder in the electoral process, would commence a global peace campaign against electoral violence in all parts of the country.
According to him, Nigerians must take the bull by the horns to embrace peace at all cost and at all levels.
Enwere said, ‘As we all know, the 2023 general election is fast approaching and the nation is ravaged by insecurity of varying degrees such as kidnapping, banditry, herdsmen, unknown gunmen, etc.
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He went on to add; ‘However, the 2023 general election is around the corner, the polity is already heated up. Various political parties have already started campaigns. We must take the bull by the horns to embrace peace at all cost and at all levels. We must as well warn political parties to stick to the rules of this game, not a fight.
‘Nigerians, especially youths, will no longer tolerate being used for thuggery and blood-letting during this electioneering period.
‘Enough is enough; people are being killed on daily basis: security men, women, pastors, and politicians escaping assassination thereby leading to loss of precious lives of our young ones.
‘We can’t continue this way, we must defend ourselves and our votes and maintain everlasting peace which is the known culture in Nigeria.
‘Sequel to this, YOWICAN will, from tomorrow, Monday, October 24, 2022, commence sensitisation on global peace campaign (crusade) to all the zones, states, local governments as well as at ward levels for a peaceful 2023 general election and after election as well as to major stakeholders, actors and political parties.
‘This sensitisation global peace campaign will help (to) educate, enlighten and create great impact to the general public.’
Africa Today News, New York reports that the next general elections in Nigeria will be coming up in February 2023.