International Day Of Peace: Kaduna State advocates for peaceful elections

As the International Day of Peace is celebrated worldwide, Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i has advocated for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

He made the call at an event organised by the Kaduna state peace commission to commemorate the 2022 international day of peace in Kaduna.

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Represented by his Special Adviser, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, Rabi Salisu, the Governor called on youths not to allow politicians to use them for thuggery in the forthcoming elections.

He also advised politicians to guard against any act or comments that will cause disharmony within the state, considering Kaduna is a volatile state.

“The code of ethics, rules of engagement should guide people, abide strictly to the electoral law so that we can record peaceful elections,” he emphasised.

Speaking further, the Governor said peace is the foundation of every basis in life, hence, the need for residents to ensure peace reigns in the state.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure we live in peace. Only people who live in a peaceful atmosphere, enjoy the dividend of democracy and rapid development.”

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Vice Chairman of Peace Commission, Dr. Saleh Momale, said global communities celebrate world peace day to reflect on the importance of peace.

They are reassuring themselves of the need for proactive interventions to ensure peaceful resolutions of all conflicts worldwide.

Momale explained that this year’s theme, “End Racism, Build Peace,” has been modified by Kaduna state as ‘Embrace Diversity,Build Peace’ to reflect the current challenges bedeviling the state.

“Unless diversities are adequately understood and positively exploited, someone could easily manipulate them to cause social tensions and violent confrontations as we have witnessed in Kaduna and other parts of the country,” he stated.

He assured Kaduna residents of the government’s commitment to working harmoniously with security agencies and support organisations, including development partners and civil society organisations, to resolve the lingering disturbances in some communities.

Momale appealed to political parties and candidates vying for elective positions and other actors in the political processes to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections devoid of slander, backbiting, and violent confrontations.

Speaking also at the event, the Commandant of Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Kaduna State Command, Idris Yahaya Adah, said this year’s world peace celebration came at a better time than ever as political activities have commenced.

Represented by Deputy Commandant of Corp Administration, Aminu Shaba, the commandant reiterated that everyone must shun acts of violence and divisive tendencies as the 2023 general election is around the corner.

He said the commandant had maintained strong support for the peace and conflict resolution unit through consistent personnel training to provide essential services in alternative dispute resolution in line with best global practices.

S.O