Stakeholders in Iyale, Dekina local government area of Kogi state, have pledged to ensure peaceful conduct in the community before, during and after the general elections.
This was contained in the message endorsed by all the stakeholders present at the Iyale community stakeholders dialogue meeting held in CMML hall in the community on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
The stakeholders dialogue meeting facilitated by Mercy Corps with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) had in attendance the Onuh Iyale, His Royal Highness Chief Wada Drisu Akogu, the ward chairmen of the two main political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) the women leaders, youth leaders, the security agencies in the area.
The media as well as the CIPP structures made up of the Community Peace Observers, the trained mediators, the women critical discussion group in the community.
Stakeholders in the event jointly identified fake news and misinformation, tearing down of political posters in the community, vote trading, as well as misunderstanding during the collection of permanent voters card (PVCs), hate campaigns, malicious jubilation after the decorations of election results as some of the early warning signs.
The party leaders made promises not to sacrifice the brotherly love which exist amongst them in the community on the alter of politics.
The religious leaders, majorly Muslims and Christians, pledged to harp the message of peace in their various places of worship. While the security agencies pledged to be on the watch out for any elements which may disturb the peace of the community.
The women group made commitment towards good parenting as the the traditional ruler in the community promised to set up a peace and reconciliation committee in the community for the purpose of resolving any misunderstanding in the community.
He said contacts had been established with key security agencies within and outside the community to deal decisively with elements that may disrupt the peace of the community before, during and after elections.
