By Iduozee Paul, Benin
As the September 19 polls approaches, a non-governmental organization, has called on parents to educate their children to shun violence during election.
The coordinating convener, Dr. Bright Oniovokukor gave the advice at a peace rally ahead of the the election in Benin City.
“The 2020 Edo State Gubernatorial Election holds on September 19, 2020 and it is indeed a peculiar one. Various events and actions have created the impression that the election would be marred with irregularities and violence which has been perceived, could lead to a high level of voter apathy.
“Considering the publicity on the election, it is expected that more than 70 percent of eligible voters should participate in the election. In view of this, a coalition of Civil Society organizations including Conference of NGOS (CONGOs), Partners 4 Peace (P4P), Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO), Josemaria Escrivia Foundation (JOSEF), Caring Heart Initiative (CHIADE) among others with support from West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-NIGERIA), One Love Foundation and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) deemed it necessary to convene the second edition of this Rally for peaceful elections.
“The main objective of the peace rally is to add our voices to others in reassuring eligible voters of a peaceful atmosphere during the election. We are also using this medium to call on the various candidates who we expect here today to declare their stand openly for a peaceful election”.
The convener said Edo people need to be alive to vote and enjoy the dividends of democracy and called on parents to reach out to their children.
“We have tagged it #Edolivesmatter because the Edo people need to be alive to enjoy the dividends of democracy. We are using this medium to call on parents, guardians and all peace loving stakeholders to continue to educate and sensitize the people to shun violence and participate peacefully in the electoral process, before, during and after,” Dr. Oniovokukor said.