As we prepare for the Kogi governorship election come November 11, 2023, the Executive Director of Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, (A non-governmental Organisation), Aminu Okutepa has warned candidates of all political parties against security threat, before, during and after the election.
The Executive Director gave the warning while speaking during the Kogi Youth Town Hall Meeting and Presentation of Kogi Youth Charter of Demand to the gubernatorial candidates in Lokoja on Wednesday
Aminu challenged the governorship candidates to endeavour to play the game by the rules.
He also admonished them to imbibe the spirit of patriotism by ensuring that their campaigns are devoid of triggering violence and security threat to the electorate
“Your campaigns should be issue-based, devoid of insult, inciting and inflammatory statements that could cause crisis or mayhem
“You ought to desist from politically motivated violence, hate speech and fake news in the media industry. Your actions and activities should centre on how to achieve the desired free, fair, credible and peaceful election” Aminu Okutepa further charged the political gladiators
He appreciated the governorship candidates of all political parties in Kogi election and urged them to endeavour to key into Kogi Youth New Charter of Demand geared towards boosting good governance that would usher in accelerated development and capacity building of citizens
In his goodwill message, Ulu, Okoro James, Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in-charge of Kogi and Kwara states, admonished the electorate, especially the youths to eschew violence and do away with sentiments while making a choice on who should govern Kogi for the next four years.
According to him, “Your individual and collective choices should be based purely on merit, capacity, competence and the antecedents of the candidates. Those are the qualities you should look out for while choosing the next governor”
He gave an assurance that “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission would deploy all available resources to monitor all forms of corrupt practices during the November 11 governorship elections
“Be a good citizen, patriotic and distance yourselves from any electoral malfeasance and have your peace of mind” the commissioner appealed.
Participants were educated on the”Impact of Hate Speech and Fake News in Our Electoral Process”
“Strategies to Address Security Challenges Prior to the Off-Cycle Gubernatorial Election”
Representatives of the three governorship candidates, namely; People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance (AC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP) attended the Town Hall Meeting.
