By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab has challenged youth in Kaduna State to resist being used to cause problems before, during and after the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.
Speaking on Thursday during the Southern Kaduna Youth Dialogue for a violence free local Government Elections, held in Kafanchan, Rev. Hayab said it is high time for the youths to be vanguards of change, by seeking to grow instead of engaging in the old order of stagnation.
Joseph Hayab who’s the Kaduna State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the one day program organized by the GPFN in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Jema’a Local Government Chapter, also tasked the electorate not to sell their destiny during the elections by resorting to collect meager amounts from politicians, instead of voting based on their conscience.
He reminded that as a major actors during elections, the youth should shun violence by recognising the fact that they are first human beings and members of one family under God, irrespective their political affiliation, religion or believe.
Rev Hayab however, advised the Youth Council, to continue to organize and create platforms for the youth to interact with each other, which he noted will build trust and understanding between the followers of different faiths.
Earlier, the Youth Coordinator, Jema’a Local Government Area, Mr. Solomon Samuel, urged the electoral umpire to ensure they announced the correct election results, because problems normally emanates when the wish of the people is trampled upon.
He cautioned the youth in the local government to conduct themselves peacefully during the local government elections, pointing out that election is not a do or die affair.
In a Goodwill message, the Caretaker Chairman, Jema’a Local Government, Ibrahim Dayabu Danladi, commended the GYouth Council for partnering the GPFN to put up the program which he noted was timely.
He pledged to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the Local Government Area Elections and solicited maximum support from the people of the area to succeed.