2baba to youths: Don’t allow yourself to be used for election violence

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As the governorship elections in Bayelsa and kogi states draw near, popular artiste, Innocent Ujah Idibia, has appealed to youths in the country not to allow themselves to be used for election rigging and violence.

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In a message to the youths in the two states, 2face counselled them and political leaders to join in the crusade for peace and unity in the country adding that violence erodes the nations values.
2face who issued the message on his birthday celebration,he urged all citizens to shun banditry,kidnapping,herders and farmers clashes and all vices which he said have continue to snatch the lives of Nigerians.

Said he,”As I celebrate my birthday today, I call for peace across our dear country, Nigeria. Different forms of violence including electoral, banditry, herders and farmers conflicts, kidnapping and terrorism have and continue to snatch the lives of Nigeria’s citizens.”
He stated that his call is not an attack on government as he is only playing his role as an artist and social crusader”
“Let’s be clear, this is not a salvo to attack the political leadership and government, I am not a politician but an artist and social rights crusader. I am calling on government (i.e our political leadership, security services etc.); and all citizens (i.e artists, entrepreneurs, media, okada riders etc.) to do everything we can and must do to promote and guarantee peace.”

He reiterated his decision to dedicate his life to” mobilizing Nigerian youth and engaging political, security and traditional authorities to promote peaceful elections since 2014.”
The popular artiste said that having worked with youths across the country to reach 62 million people with the message of “elections without violence” as the Ambassador of the Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War campaign” he will be leading the campaign’s efforts to promote peace during the November 16, 2019 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.”
He called on Nigerians,to join hands together to resist violence across the country, in whatever nature it manifests.
He charged the government to take the lead on this effort to stamp out violence, “as there are limits to what citizens can do – no matter how well- intentioned.”

2face, said that as the November 16, 2019, Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections approach,citizens must remember that the legitimacy of any government lies with its emergence from a peaceful, free, fair and credible election adding,”I call on Kogi and Bayelsa youth to say NO to politicians who may offer them money to perpetrate violence or buy their votes. Let your conscience lead you.”
Speaking on the prevalence of violence all over the country he urged the citizens to remember that there can be no development without peace adding “We need to make the wise choice for the future as violence erodes our values and kills our people.”
To achieve a peaceful election,he urged citizens to look out for the vices of hate speech, fake news, misinformation and disinformation which he noted” are certified triggers of violence. “

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