Benin, Nigeria – The need for youths to avoid being used for malpractices in the September 21 gubernatorial polls in Edo, took the centre stage at a one-day engagement between youth groups and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The one-day engagement showcased the roles of youths in electoral processes in the State and in the country.
Speakers at the event that was held on Tuesday in Benin city, unanimously decried the involvement of youths in electoral malpractices in the country.
The Speakers were Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Osahon Woghiren, Edo State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the State Director of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Ben-Ushie Ifeoma.
In his address, Dr Onuoha, represented by Emmanuel Efeturhi Ogbodu, the Administrative Secretary in his office, urged youths in Edo State to come out enmasse for the governorship election just as they joined other Nigerians to participate in the nationwide #End Bad Governance protest.
Onuoha noted that the engagement was to encourage the active and positive participation of the youths in the electoral process.
He said, INEC attached great value to the participation of marginalized groups, including the youth, in the electoral process.
According to him, the commission’s major goal in the engagement is to strategically position the youths to better appreciate their stake as important players in public space, capable of making meaningful contributions to the democratic advancement of the nation.
In his goodwill message, Mr Woghiren, condemned the youths for allowing themselves to be used as political thugs by desperate politicians.
“Some youths have been used as political thugs, are being used to destroy electoral materials, vote buying among others,” he added.
Woghiren, who noted that it is time for the youths to stop being used negatively by the political class, urged them to shun all the criminal tendencies and collaborate with INEC for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
On her part, Mrs Ifeoma, appealed to youths to avoid being used as agents of electoral malpractices or tools in electoral issues during elections.
Ifeoma, represented by Mrs Okundia Iyobosa, NYSC Zonal Inspector, Oredo Local Government, reminded the youths that their vote is their voice and power to shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
She, however, encouraged the youths to ensure that all their actions were within the confines of the electoral laws as well as support candidates who shared their values.
Ifeoma said the NYSC had in the past 12 years partnered with INEC to ensure that elections are successful in the country.
She, however, urged the youths to harness their collective power and responsibility to create the needed positive change, noting that their innovative ideas, strength, and dedication can transform Edo State and Nigeria’s future.
In his remarks, Comrade Jude Obasanmi, who spoke for the youth groups, advocated that youths should be given opportunities in Nigeria to help drive the process of good governance.
