2023: KONGONET calls for restraint, calm by state, non state actors to ensure peaceful election

2023; KONGONET calls for restraint, calm by state, non state actors to ensure peaceful election

—Says Elections Are For Development And Not For Violence!

With barely three days to the 2023 general election, the Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has called on all political parties, State and Non-State actors, and individuals to exercise restraint and calm to guaranteed peaceful polls

The statement was jointly signed by Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Chairperson, KONGONET and the Executive Director of
Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF),
and Mrs. Ibiteye A. Bola
Assistant Secretary, KONGONET and the State Coordinator of
Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA).

The group noted that elections are critical component of the nation’s democracy and is an essential requirement for citizens to choose their leaders, adding that this process confers legitimacy, saying that it is therefore, a step towards development and should never be an excuse for violence.

“We are aware of the current economic crises arising from the twin policies of the Naira redesign and cash withdraw limit policies. We however, call on all Kogite to maintain law and order as the Government of the day continue to work at ameliorating the situation.

“A breakdown of law and order is an ill wind that blows no one any good. We must stay calm as we resiliently navigate our way out of this situation.

The statement in full;
Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) is the Apex coalition of Civil Society Networks in Kogi State championing the promotion of participatory democracy, good governance/best practices, transparent governance and network coordination through advocacy and policy influencing for the well-being of Kogites.

The general elections are here again, and in three days, we will be going to the polls. The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) wishes to call on all political parties, State and Non-State actors, and individuals to exercise restraint and calm as we approach the elections.

Elections are a critical component of our democracy and is an essential requirement for citizens to choose their leaders and this process confers legitimacy. It is therefore, a step towards development and should never be an excuse for violence.

We are aware of the current economic crises arising from the twin policies of the Naira redesign and cash withdraw limit policies. We however, call on all Kogite to maintain law and order as the Government of the day continue to work at ameliorating the situation.

A breakdown of law and order is an ill wind that blows no one any good. We must stay calm as we resiliently navigate our way out of this situation.

We wish to use this medium to commend and congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Governor Yahaya Bello for ensuring that Kogi Radio Lokoja come back on air at this time of critical need for information. We believe this to be timely as we trust that it will be use to enlighten Kogite and promote peaceful elections in Kogi State.

We also want to take this opportunity to commend the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lokoja branch for being proactive towards providing a platform to bring together the political actors in Lokoja and Kogi LGAs to sign PEACE PACT. This goes a long way to show the desire of the youth for peaceful election come 25th of February and 11th of March, 2023 in Kogi State. We therefore, call on all political party candidates to liaise with the coordinators of the PEACE PACT to sign up for PEACE.

We also urge the Kogi State Chapter of the National Youth Council Nigeria (NYCN) to galvanize all stakeholders towards Kogi State Off-cycle Gubernatorial election to ensure political party candidates for the said election Sign Up on the PEACE PACT. KONGONET will be willing to participate in the process to make it more seamless.

Once again, KONGONET urges all Kogite to give peace a chance.

God Bless Kogi State.