*As stakeholders proffer solution
By Our Correspondent
The National Peace Committee, NPC, chaired by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, through its secretariat ,The Kukah Centre, has identified expected flashpoints ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.
Of the 21 local government areas of the state, seven, namely, Awka South, Awka North, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Idemili North, Orumba South and Ayamelum, were said to be areas that need special attention.
The listed local government areas are either prone to the activities of separatist movement and kidnappers, or associated with cultism and political thuggery.
At the European Union-sponsored stakeholders validation forum organized separately for the three senatorial zones of the state as part of a broader initiative to support peaceful, inclusive, and credible gubernatorial election, the Kukah Center urged the stakeholders to be alive to their responsibilities to avoid election violence.
The support came through the EU’s flagship democracy programme, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), which aims to support the government’s efforts in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
At the Awka meeting, the stakeholders also looked at the reasons for the low voter turnout during elections and suggested ways to improve voter participation.
Diverse groups, including electoral bodies, security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious organizations, civil society groups, the media, as well as youth and women networks, aired their views and expressed commitment to ensure the success of the Anambra governorship election.
Addressing the participants, Deborah Obafemi of the Kukah Center, reminded them that they could help shape a peaceful electoral process that restores public confidence, promotes participation, and strengthens democracy in Anambra State.
“As we are all aware, Anambra is approaching a pivotal moment with the upcoming off-cycle election. The forum is not just a meeting; it is a call to collective responsibility. We are here to validate findings from a comprehensive context analysis, share insights, identify risks, and most importantly, co-create actionable solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of Anambra people.
“We believe that peace building and electoral credibility must be built from the ground up, with your voices, your leadership, and your commitment” Obafemi said.
The traditional ruler of Nawgu, Dunukofia local government area, Igwe George Okaa-Onwuogu, in his address, said since about 75% of the electorate reside in the rural areas, more attention should be placed there in terms of voter education.
He said: “We the traditional rulers are at the grassroot and have been trying our best to educate our people on the need to play mature politics. For the forthcoming election, we will tell our people what to do, and how to behave during the election.
“Sometimes the politicians try to embarrass the traditional ruler of the community by virtually pressurizing him to force his subjects to vote for him and it also good that politicians who usually do all the things were part of this meeting and we hope they would change their behavior before, during and after the election.
“We must preach and ensure that peace reigns because election should not be a do or see afair. We’re more prepared for a peaceful and credible election than the politicians.”
The Monarch commended the Kukah Center for the enlightenment programme, advising, however, that it should also monitor the election and make recommendations to ensure that the efforts were not in vain.
Another traditional ruler, Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu observed that rules are not in short supply in the country, adding that the problem is implementation.
“Voter education is necessary to help douse the current tension in the state ahead of the polls. We need to carry the voters along and using the traditional rulers, there will be more confidence in the system” he stated.
Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, Sir Chuka Nnabuife said there is so much expectation and anxiety concerning the election because many key actors are not performing their duties as they ought to.
According to him, voter education should not be left only for the INEC and National Orientation Agency, NOA, adding that faith -based organizations and town union leaders should also enlighten the people.
“This is August and women are holding their annual meetings and they are not talking about the election which is just few months away”, he noted
