Kaduna LG Election: NGO sensitises stakeholders on peaceful polls, mutual coexistence
Dialogue
By Moses Kolo/Mohammad Tijani
Kafanchan (Kaduna State) May 10, 2018 (NAN) An International Non Governmental Organisation, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has met with community leaders and youth groups in Southern Kaduna on the need for peace during the May 12 Local Councils Election in Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held on Thursday in Kafanchan, drew 250 participants including security personnel, traditional and community leaders, youths leaders and Faith-based organisations.
The Country Director of GPF, John Oko said the effort, organised in collaboration with Southern Kaduna Peace and Reconciliation Committee, was meant to consolidate existing peace and unity among the people.
Oko said the forum was also to encourage continuous interaction and dialogue among various groups in Southern Kaduna and allow people exercise their franchise without molestation.
Earlier, GPF Coordinators in the North, Rev. John Hayab and Sheik Aliyu Maraya, said the continuous interface with security agencies and community leaders had been helping in preserving lives and property in the area.
They thanked the security agencies for discharging their responsibility promptly and the cooperation extended by residents to achieve desired peace.
The Clergies also commended the relentless efforts of the Southern Kaduna Peace and Reconciliation Committee, assuring that “at the end of the tunnel, we shall certainly see light”.
Chairman of the peace committee, Mr Solomon Musa, described recent use of inciting language by political actors ahead of the election as worrisome, saying it was capable of igniting violence.
He therefore urged security agencies to hold such individuals accountable, adding that they must also work dispassionately “to earn the confidence of the people.”
Musa who is also the National President, Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union, canvassed for proper funding of security agencies for more effective services.
In a remark, the Police Area Commander in Kafanchan, ACP Kayode Sunday pledged that the the Police would carry out its duties during the elections dispassionately.
He said that they would also continue to work with communities to ensure sustainable peace in Southern Kaduna.
Sunday urged the people to continue to partner with the police especially in intelligence reports, and to remain vigilant at all times to avert any security breach.
Also, Flt. -Lt Kabiru Ladan, the Adjutant of the Military Forward Operation Base Kafanchan said the mission of the unit was to maintain peace and urged the people not to relent in reporting any trace of threat from any quarters.
NAN reports that that various issues at advancing peace and mutual coexistence were addressed during the forum. (NAN)
MGK/TJ/MZA
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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed