The Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF) advises Nigerians to contribute to democracy in the country by registering, voting and conducting themselves peacefully rather than engaging in violence during elections.
The National Coordinator of a group, the Yoruba Appraisal Forum, Mr Adeshina Animashaun, stated this at a press briefing in Lagos.
He explained that when people vote, they can effect change in leadership and have their preferred candidates in a position of leadership. He further advised Nigerian youths to eschew violent activities in the 2023 General Election.
“We urge all aggrieved Nigerians to register to vote in the 2023 general elections to right any perceived wrong. It will give every citizen the civic right to vote for their preferred candidates.
“YAF, therefore, advises all Nigerian youths to support all efforts to ensure absolute peace in Nigeria. We appeal to the individuals and groups agitating for secession to sheathe their swords and join hands with other patriots to work for Nigeria’s peaceful development and growth.
“We should, therefore, not give any room to unpatriotic elements to destroy the good legacies and prosperous country bequeathed to us by Nigeria’s founding fathers. We must strive to be among those prominent characters to hold the balance of power to keep our great nation up to a high standard of civilisation.
“For us as YAF, it is, therefore, important to once again remind all citizens that our country can only be great again if we all reorient ourselves and reason together as Nigerians. Not as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or northerners and Southerners, but as Muslims and Christians, under a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Mr Animashaun commended the Nigerian security agencies and the international community for ensuring peace in the country in 2021.
Suzan O.
