By Nnedinma Michael
Anambra Peace and Mediation Working Committee, an initiative of Kimpact Development Initiative ( KDI), recently paid a courtesy visit to Joint Transporters Forum Anambra State.
The Kimpact group disclosed to the forum the importance of passing information to the road transporters on the peaceful conduct of the election in the state.
The mandate of Kimpact, a non governmental organization with the aim to mitigate conflict, using the pre-election security risk assessment finding is to advocate for the peaceful electioneering campaign before, during and after election across all the political parties.
Speaking during the visit, the President, Joint Transporters Forum, Anambra State, Rev. Elvis Oliver Okolie said there was need for security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a stronger stance against electoral violence and apathy.
He emphasised the need to hold leaders accountable and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, even as he highlighted the role of various stakeholders, including the security sector in promoting peaceful and credible election.
He pointed out that INEC officials, security agencies and politicians have major roles to play in ensuring peaceful election, urging the stakeholders to take responsibility and work towards creating an environment that promotes free and fair election.
” The problems are not from the transport sector. Often, individuals are exploited and manipulated by those in power. These individuals are not inherently violent or prone to thuggery, but rather, they are often forced into difficult situations due to economic hardship and lack of opportunities.”
He encouraged his group not to vote out of their conscience.
Head, Research and Strategy, Kimpact Development Initiative, Oluwafemi John Adebayo, said the meeting with the Joint Transporters Forum was to encourage the transporters to prioritise peace and not allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble.
He advised Ndi Anambra to come out and vote for the candidate of their choices, emphasising the importance of high voter turnout to avoid a repeat of the low turnout in 2021.
“The focus is on promoting peace, stability and progress in the state.”
Alhaji Garba Haruna, representing Hausa community in Anambra State said he was expecting the transport forum to play a key role in promoting peace during the November Election in the state, believing they have the capacity to influence their members and ensure that peace is maintained.
He added that Anambra is one of the peaceful and unity states, urging them to see the state as their home and work towards a peaceful election process.
State Chairman, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Comrade, Donatus Ezeanuka, State Chairman, Association of Taxi Car Operators, Chief Okoli Chekwube Lucky,
Secretary General, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Hon. Ufoh Linus, in their separate speeches, said they were working with the government on the ground according to rule of law, not with miscreants or touts, adding that with this advocate, “we will achieve greater society. We will disseminate this information as law abiding citizens.”
