- Calls on Police to conclude its investigation into post-election violence in Kogi
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called for more commitment towards youth development in Kogi state.
Speaking at a one-day ‘Post 2023 Governorship Elections Review Meeting For Political Parties In Kogi’ in Lokoja on Thursday, Executive Director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, noted that there is no budget line item for the Kogi State Youth Development Commission in the 2024 proposed budget for the state.
Miliki noted that this was unacceptable.
He called on the State House of Assembly to ensure that the Youth Commission and the Ministry of Youths and Sports as well as other youth focused institutions have adequate funding to carryout activities aimed at improving the development of youths in the state.
The rights activist added that constitutional amendments to remove the age restriction for contesting election must be in the front burner of the current National Assembly, by amending the various sections that provide for the right of young persons at 18 years but can not vote at that age.
“We proposed that the constitution should read ‘any citizen of Nigeria that has attained the age of 18 years, can vote and be voted for'”, he said.
The review meeting lamented the spate of post-election violence recorded in Kogi state.
They called the Nigerian Police to as a matter of urgency conclude its investigations into the post-election violence that has characterized the aftermath of the 11th November 2023 Governorship elections in Kogi State, and make the outcome of such investigation public as soon as possible.
The participants added that political parties must be held accountable for the violent actions of their supporters before, during and especially after the elections in Kogi State.
The Review meeting commended the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) for its untiring efforts at improving youth involvement in leadership in Kogi State. It also appreciated The Nigeria Women Trust Fund and MacArthur Foundation for their support and partnership.
