The duo of the United States Consular General, Mr John Bray
and popular musician, Mr Innocent Idibia, known as Tuface have called for peace
and non-violence in the Anambra governorship election which comes up on
November 18.
Bray made the call for non-violence in the forthcoming
governorship election when he and his team paid a courtesy call on the state
governor, Chief Willie Obiano at the governor’s lodge on Thursday.
He said he was in the state to meet the chief executive of
the state to ensure the readiness of the state for the exercise, and also to
canvass non-violence.
He said his team was partnering with international observer
groups to ensure strict monitoring of the exercise.
Bray speaking on the state’s economy praised the efforts of
the governor, saying, “Anambra is pulling out of recession, the markets are
full and vibrant, electricity is on, there are lights at night, and the roads
this rainy season are very okay.”
Meanwhile, Idibia popularly known as Tuface has formally
inaugurated “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War” campaign to promote peaceful
and non-violent governorship election in Anambra.
Tuface who spoke with journalists in a press conference in
Awka stressed the need for all to work together to prevent needless loss of
lives before, during and after the Nov. 18 governorship election in the state.
“I call on youth of Anambra to ensure that they go out and
vote for the candidates of their choice. The legitimacy of government is
dependent on peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
“We have to monitor and engage our leaders. I encourage our
youths to join political parties of their choice and grow to help make informed
decisions,” he said.
Idibia urged political parties and candidates to utilize
established legal avenues if they have concerns about the election.
He further urged traditional and religious rulers, elder
statesmen as well as youth and women groups to join the campaign against
violent election but rather play by the rules.
The initiative is acollaboration between 2Face Idibia
Foundation, Youngstars Development Initiative (YDI) and Youth Initiative for
Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA).
The collaboration also involved Centre for Ethics and YOUTH
Development (CEYD), Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC)
and Integrity Youth Development Initiative (IYDI).
By Joe Chukindi
