By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KINGONET) has called on all political parties, state and non-state actors, and individuals to give peace a chance, exercise restraint and allow peaceful conduct of the approaching General Elections.
The coalition of Civil Society Organizations and NGOs made the call on Wednesday in Lokoja in a statement signed by Amb. Idris Muraina, Chairperson of KONGONET and Mrs. Ibiteye Bola, Assistant Secretary of the network.
The network described election as a critical component of democracy and an essential requirement for citizens to choose their leaders adding that the process confers legitimacy on governments thus formed.
Election, according to the statement, is a step towards development and should never be seen or taken as an excuse for violence.
“We are aware of the current economic crises arising from the twin policies of the Naira Redesign and Cash Withdraw Limit.
“We call on all Kogites to maintain law and order as the Government of the day continues to work at ameliorating the situation.
“A breakdown of law and order is an ill wind that blows no one any good. We must stay calm as we resiliently navigate our way out of this situation” the statement added.
The NGOs network also used the opportunity to commend and congratulate Governor Yahaya Bello for resuscitating the state-owned Confluence Radio (FM 94.1), Lokoja, describing his intervention as timely in view of the General Elections.
It said that the period had heightened the critical need for information saying, “We believe this to be timely as we trust that it will be used to enlighten Kogites and promote peaceful elections in Kogi State.
“We also want to take this opportunity to commend the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lokoja branch for being proactive towards providing a platform to bring together the political actors in Lokoja and Kogi LGAs to sign a “Peace Pact.”
“This goes a long way to show the desire of the youth for peaceful election come 25th of February and 11th of March, 2023 in Kogi State.
KONGONET also urged the Kogi State Chapter of the NYCN to mobilise stakeholders and party candidates towards signing a Peace Pact for the peaceful conduct of Kogi State off-cycle Gubernatorial Election coming up in November.
KONGONET is the Apex coalition of Civil Society Networks in Kogi State championing the promotion of participatory democracy, good governance/best practices, transparent governance and network coordination through advocacy and policy influencing. (Ends)
