The Special Assistant to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister on Youth Matters, Mr Isaac David, has enjoined youths to shun violence before, during and after the Area Councils election scheduled for Feb. 12.
David made the call on Thursday in Gwagwalada at a one-day advocacy on peace during the FCT Area Councils electioneering campaign organised by the FCT Administration.
The minister’s aide therefore urged the FCT residents to avoid actions that could disrupt peace in the territory before, during and after the election.
He also cautioned the youth and all political parties’ candidates across the six Area Councils to avoid promoting tribal and religious sentiments during campaigns.
He said the event was organised to educate youths and women across 858 communities in FCT on peace and security with a view to ensuring violent-free election.
“I call on the youths and women in the FCT to be law-abiding; they should remember that violence doesn’t put food on the table.
“There is no need for hatred because hatred doesn’t lead to peaceful coexistence in the society,” he said.
David also advised all the contestants to play politics without bitterness and come up with their blueprint for the electorate.
“We are watching any candidate that is found inciting people against one another will be made to face the law,’’ he said.
Earlier, the FCT youths leader, Mr Muktar Akosile, urged the youth to spread the message of peace and tolerance during the campaign period.
Dr Jumai Ahmadu, the acting director, FCTA Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, urged residents to leverage FCT call centers in the event of any emergency during the election.
She appealed to the youths to remain calm, respect constituted authorities and support policies and programmes of the FCT Administration.
On his part, Mr Peter Maigari, the FCT Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), advised FCT residents to share timely intelligence information with the security agencies before, during and after the election.
“If the information is not timely we cannot do the needful. For us at the NCDSC one of our mandates is to provide security to safeguard government critical national assets.
“And we will not allow people to destroy critical assets before, during or after elections. We cannot do without peace”, he said. (NAN)
