Chairman of the Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has called on Nigerians to join hands to ensure free and fair elections, devoid of violence.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of Kaduna State and mediation working committee in Kaduna on Thursday, the Country Director lamented that the record of attacks on security and INEC facilities in some parts of the country is a manifestation of election-related violence.
“Without being pessimistic, the record of cases of attacks on security and INEC facilities in some parts of the country, a manifestation of election-related violence, appears to be on the path to overtaking the heights electoral violence has reached and needs to be stopped. It is, therefore, rational that we join hands with intensive efforts to halt electoral violence in the 2023 elections in whatever form it appears.” he said.
He added that it needs to be emphasized that while the long-awaited 2023 general election is here, what is essential is for Nigerians to swing into action towards ensuring all forms of electoral violence are mitigated in Kaduna State and beyond.
According to him, the onerous task ahead is to work to safeguard a violence-free election and mitigate triggers to electoral violence in Kaduna State, given the sad history of massive losses associated with election violence.
Hayab enjoined the members of the committee to see their inauguration as an opportunity to serve on the Kaduna State Peace and Mediation Committee, KSPMC, which requires a high level of commitment and sacrifice.
He noted that electoral violence is an issue of grave concern to every well-meaning and peace-loving Nigerian because, as seen over the years, it is potent with colossal impact with a high propensity to take diverse forms, spread and escalate beyond politics
