With electoral violence being one of the things that marred the last Presidential and National Assembly elections in Imo State and Nigeria generally, groups are doing everything possible to cut down on that.
One of such groups Cradle Steps Foundation has organized a one-day sensitization orientation for youths in Imo state on the dangers of electoral violence and other vices.
The event which was held on Saturday March 4, 2023 in Owerri, Imo State, saw resource persons educate the youths on the right ways to participate in an election without violence.
Chief Victor Igbokwe, a legal practitioner who was one of the resource persons urged the youths not to attack INEC officials no matter the situation.
He called on them to rather use their phones to film any abnormalities they notice for evidence, adding that there are laws for a reason.
A participant said that peace should not just be manufactured from nothing but will be paid for through investments in the lives of young people and provision of basic infrastructures for the citizens.
Another participant said that electoral violence is on the rise because incompetent people who are afraid of failure are allowed to run for positions, saying that when the right people who are competent and confident are running for elections, they will have no need for ballot box snatchers.
The reactions of the participants showed how successful the event was according to Hon. Amaechi Adibuo who spoke to OtownGist after the event.
He noted that youths are angry because of what happened at the presidential election, adding that events like that will help to soften their minds.
Speaking for the organizers Cradle Steps Foundation, Mazi MacNelson Okafor thanked the participants and resource persons for making the event worth it.
He also thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC who supported the event, also calling on youths to go out and vote during the governorship and State Assembly elections.
Some resource persons and special guests at the event include Hon. Amaechi Adibuo, Rev. Fr. Utazi Prince Bnejamin, Hon. Onyemaeechi Alozie, Comr. Barth Umeh, Onyeocha Priscilla, Chief Victor Igbokwe and Mr. Vincent Ndukwem.
