A non-governmental organisation, Heart of Unity and Tolerance (HUT) Foundation, has embarked on sensitization of voters across the Federal Capital Territory and some states to shun violence during Saturday’s general election.
Speaking with journalists during their advocacy visit to the Chief of Karu, Abuja, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi today, the founder of HUT Foundation, Barrister Precious Nkem Ogbuenyi said the organisation which has its head office in Abuja was committed to promoting peaceful coexistence through non-violent polling. She explained that the campaign was concentrating on the nation’s capital this year because of its central position as the face of Nigeria. She stated further:
“Today, we are continuing our sensitization in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils because of their strategic importance as the face of Nigeria where the Presidency, the National Assembly, the federal bureaucracy and the diplomatic corps are all located.
“We are here at the palace of the Sa’karuyi (Chief) of Karu Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi among others. Our Vote not Violence (VnV) campaign is aimed at educating and reorienting the Nigerian populace on the importance of peaceful conduct before, during and after the upcoming elections.”
The HUT foundation Chief Executive expressed satisfaction with the warm reception at the Chief’s palace, where community heads and youth leaders were in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of the Sa’karuyi, the District Head of Jikwoyi and the Chairman, District Heads Forum of Karu Chiefdom, Chief Nicodemus Machi commended HUT Foundation for promoting violence-free electioneering in the FCT and other parts of the country.
He stated: “Election is all about voting for the person you want to be your leader. Every four years, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives the electorate the chance to elect or re-elect their leaders. By holding periodic elections, the federal government and INEC are not organising a war.
“Our elections are the time to freely and peacefully vote for persons of your choice without force. It is not about fighting or violence. You came at the right time, and your information will be passed deep down to the grassroots because our community heads and youth leaders are present here.”
During the visit, Mr Etalong Thomas Alama, the Vote not Violence campaign coordinator, delivered a talk on the need to promote peace during and after the election.
Among the issues discussed were the need to avoid the use of mobile phones at the polling booth, the prohibition of wearing of campaign materials, and the illegality of votes buying and selling of alcoholic beverages.
Mr Etalong stated that these practices often lead to election rigging and violence, and it is essential to avoid them. He said the Nigerian Electoral Act as amended prohibits the use of lethal weapons at the polling unit while security personnel cannot wield weapons at the polling unit.
He enjoined the leaders of the various communities to ensure that their members shun violence or its triggers throughout the electioneering period.
The foundation distributed stickers to the chief’s representatives, symbolizing the community’s commitment to peaceful elections. The HUT Foundation Vote not Violence advocates also conducted interviews with locals to get their views on the upcoming elections and if they have ever been affected by election-related violence.
HUT Foundation is dedicated to promoting peace and development in communities across Nigeria. With a team of passionate and experienced professionals, the foundation develops and implements programs aimed at building sustainable peace, promoting human rights, and empowering communities to take charge of their future.
Also in attendance were some unit coordinators of the foundation, namely: Ikenna Elvis, Jidechukwu Austin, Zainab Lawal and Henrietta Chukwunweike.
If you would like to support the foundation’s work, please visit our website to learn more about us and get in touch with us through the contact provided. Together, we can build a peaceful and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
