The need for youths to abstain from behaviours linked to drug abuse and thuggery, that are inimical to their mental and physical wellbeing formed the crux of the conversation of a one day summit organised by Project Democracy, a non Governmental Organisation in Rivers State.
The Summit, with the theme: A campaign and election devoid of drugs and violence: a prerequisite for good governance, held at the convocation arena of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, on December 8.
Delivering her welcome address, President General of Project Democracy, Gloria Boma Harry, said the timing of the summit which was organsied in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Police Force, was apt considering the fact that political parties have commenced campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections which will usher in new leaders at the state and federal levels.
She observed that the essence of the summit is to address the growing trends in drug abuse amongst youths, participation of youths in election violence and thuggery.
She said ‘ I want to welcome everyone, especially the youths as we listen to the speakers who will handle topics as it relates to the theme of the summit. Grammy award winning singer and artist Beyonce wrote: Your voice are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote.’
On his part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, represented by Dr .Joseph Kinanee, called on the youths to shun vices that could destroy their future. He said most youths engage in drug abuse due to peer pressure, empathising that reports, particularly those recently released during the World Aids day celebration, show that people involved in drug abuse engage in sexual activities that ultimately lead to death.
He therefore advised the youths from different faculties to effectively put into practice whatever the speakers would present during the summit.
A.C. Essien Mercy, representative of the State Commandant NSCDC, Michael Besong Ogar and Lazarus Alatoru, who represented the State Commander NDLEA, Ahmed Mamuda, both spoke on the side effects of drug abuse and the negative impact drug abuse have on the individual and society.
They were of the view that no serious crime can be committed without the influence of hard drugs. The fact that youths become willing tools for destruction in the hands of politicians was also frowned at.
The INEC Public Relations Officer, Geraldine Ekelemu, who spoke on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo said, ‘Since the return of civilian rule in 1999, we have had to contend with a plethora of electoral violence. It has become a usual practice for some politicians to engage the services of thugs who are mostly youths and students to carry out electoral violence which in most cases disrupt the smooth conduct of an election. They go as far as introducing them to drugs and other harmful lifestyles and thereafter use them to perpetuate various degrees of electoral violence.
She stressed that ‘electoral violence is any act of violence perpetuated in the course of political activities including before, during and after the election. These include ranging from killings, arson, thuggery, assault, use of force to disrupt political meetings or voting at any polling unit, intimidation of voters etc. There are several factors that could lead to electoral violence during campaigns and election. They could be inter-personal issues, late arrival of materials, misinformation, etc, however, one major factor that leads to acts of violence is drug abuse.
‘The threat of violence is the biggest challenge the electoral umpire faces in carrying out its responsibility of conducting elections in Nigeria, The impact of electoral violence can be far reaching beyond the immediate environment where it occurred. Some of these negative impacts include: voters displacement, voter apathy, loss of valuable timelines, which may lead to continuous crisis, loss of valuable electoral materials and sabotage of the electoral process, etc.’
She further noted that the commission is very worried about reports of violence associated with the campaigns being recorded across the country including Rivers State and ‘wishes to advise the youths to shun all forms of violence before, during and after elections. Say no to drug use and the drug abuse. Let me use this opportunity to reiterate the commission’s commitment to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Rivers State.’
