INEC REC tasks Imo youths on active participation in politics

victor nwachukwu

February 13, 2019 12:52 PM

Ezeonu made the call during a summit organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in collaboration with INEC in Owerri on Wednesday.

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Prof. Francis Ezeonu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo, has urged youths in the state to actively participate in the electoral process.

Ezeonu made the call during a summit organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in collaboration with INEC in Owerri on Wednesday.

Speaking on the theme, “Imo students Against Electoral Violence”, the INEC REC advised the students not to allow themselves to be used by anybody to carry out acts of violence before, during and after the elections.

The REC described the youths as the greatest drivers of Nigeria’s politics and advised them on the need to become more active in political activities.

He said youths should not be satisfied with playing second fiddle and chanting solidarity songs at campaign venues.

“The greatest drivers of Nigeria’s politics are the youths. You see them more at campaign grounds and political rallies.

“This is why you must no longer accept the position of second fiddle. You should neither let people destroy your future nor be used to incite violence.

“Register with political parties and participate actively in the electoral process because you can only be one of tomorrow’s leaders when you participate in the process,” he said.

Dr Dan Anyanwu, the Provost of AIFCE, expressed his support to INEC and charged the commission to abide by rule of law.

“You (INEC) have our support in ensuring a transparent and violence-free electoral process.

“We charge you, therefore, to doggedly abide by the rule of law in the discharge of your constitutional duties,” he said.

Mr Godson Okereke, the Coordinator of NANS Zone B, thanked INEC for carrying the youths along, while pledging the association’s commitment to violence-free elections.

Okereke advised INEC to give attention to the security of the ad-hoc staff, especially youth corps members.

He said it was time for the youths to took their destiny in their hands because today’s youths would be tomorrow’s leaders.

“As we thank INEC for carrying us along, let me seize this opportunity to pledge our unalloyed commitment to violence-free polls and give priority to the security of corps members who will be serving as ad-hoc staff,” he said.

victor nwachukwu