Afrigather 
Able to Lead Africa, a civil society organisation, on Monday mentioned it might lead Presidential Candidates to commit in opposition to exploiting youths for violence forward of the Basic Elections.
Mr Godbless Otubure, Founder, Able to Lead Africa, made this identified at a information convention, themed: “Youth-led Presidential Peace Accord and Unveiling of the Nationwide Youth Peace Image” in Abuja.
Otubure mentioned that Able to Lead Africa would host the youth-led peace accord in partnership with the Nationwide Youths Service Corps (NYSC), the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), Related Growth (CODE) and Nigerian Youth Parliament.
He mentioned the undertaking, supported by the Open Society Foundations, is geared toward curbing potential election-related violence within the 2023 elections and in addition tackle youths on plans for a peaceable election.
He mentioned that Able to Result in Africa is ready to steer thousands and thousands of Nigerian youths to decide on peace over electoral violence because it hosts Presidential Candidates on Feb. 2 on the Worldwide Convention Centre.
“We’re acquainted with the occasions of violence that encompass the method of elections in Nigeria.
“Our mission is to contribute to nationwide management and improvement of sustainable peace in Nigeria, Africa and internationally.
“The Youth Towards Electoral Violence Accord (YAEVA) is a Able to Lead Africa peace-building initiative, designed to deliver youths into the promotion of peace throughout elections through signing of an accord by Candidates.
“Youths are used to getting used for violence, however now we’re those calling on candidates to say we’re not going to combat for you, we’re not going to combat ourselves due to you.”
Otubure mentioned that the YAEVA had been signed earlier than forward of six governorship elections of Anambra, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Ekiti and Osun states.
He mentioned that it was a testomony to the sturdy intent of Nigerian youths to eschew violence and the corresponding dedication of political leaders to take part in electoral processes with out inciting or sponsoring violence.
“The YAEVA is much like the peace accord initiated by Rev. Kukah, Gen. Gowon and Gen. Abdulsallam however the one distinction is the truth that it’s led by youths.
Mr Hamzat Lawal, Govt Officer, CODE, mentioned that the destiny and the result of the election is centred round younger folks.
Lawal mentioned that for the very first time within the historical past of Nigeria, youths have determined that they’d not condone electoral violence.
“Subsequently, the younger folks throughout Nigeria ought to be part of us in advocating for this and any candidates that doesn’t present up on Thursday to signal the peace accord signifies that candidate doesn’t assist Nigeria’s unity, progress and democratic dividends.”
“Youths have signed up for peace, so we’re calling on all of the presidential candidates to indicate up and signal this accord and say no to electoral violence and cease utilizing younger folks to perpetrate evil, we’d not settle for it.”
Mr Rafiu Lawal, Govt Director, Constructing Blocks for Peace Basis, mentioned that it was not solely sufficient to get politicians to decide to not utilizing youths for violence but additionally to carry them accountable to contain youths in nationwide peace constructing and safety.
Lawal mentioned that there was the necessity to have politicians to decide to the youths as soon as agenda of Nigeria and to undertake the Nationwide Motion Plan for peace and safety to contain youths in governance, amongst others.
Mr Yusuf Dantalle, Nationwide Secretary of the Inter Celebration Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), recommended the Able to Lead Africa for the initiative.
Dantalle assured the group of IPAC’s dedication to constructing peace within the nation and without cost, honest and credible elections.
He suggested youths to not soar into politics ranging from the nationwide stage however to develop via the method from the grassroots stage.
He mentioned that IPAC would proceed to provide the required assist to all electoral stakeholders to make sure a reputable ballot. (NAN)
