Lukman Abdulmalik
Ahead of 2023, Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Polls, the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) organized a media dialogue to present a report of the general activities of the Agency and its interventions before, during, and after the February 25th, Presidential, and National Assembly Elections held on Thursday in Kano at the Efficient Event Centre,
At the event, NOA Director General (DG) Dr. Garba Abari stated that democracy is about the contest of ideas and was never meant to produce violent outcomes, adding that “let us all work towards the peace that is so desirable for us and generations yet unborn.
“As we approach the next set of elections this weekend, it is important that our people continue to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner as we continue to work together towards violence-free and credible elections.
“We are worried by the call for violence by some political actors ahead of the governorship polls in some states such as Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Lagos, and Delta.
“We hereby call on security agencies to take these reports seriously and take measures that will ensure hitch-free, peaceful elections.”
Abari noted that it has rigorously discharged its duties during the presidential elections by promoting the massive voter registration, peaceful election, inclusion of women and PWDs, collection of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), New Electoral Act: Voter process and new features in the voter experience.
Others are; electoral anti-corruption (against vote buying and selling), and removing voter apathy.
The DG made a special appeal to media practitioners across the country.
“You have a role to play now. Do not magnify the political narratives that divide our country and our people.”
He also expressed the Agency’s worry about the call for violence by some political actors ahead of the governorship polls in some states such as Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Lagos, and Delta.
“We hereby call on security agencies to take these reports seriously and take measures that will ensure hitch-free, peaceful elections,” he said.
