2019: Group begins nationwide peace rally
A non-governmental organization, Goodwill Ambassadors of Nigeria (GAN) says it is commencing nationwide rally for peace and tolerance ahead of the 2019 general elections.
According to the national coordinator of the group Ambassador Daniel Soetan, the rally which is billed to take place in five cities will begin on September 22 and end on October 20 coving Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Abuja and Lagos.
In a press statement Thursday, Soetan said the peace rally has become necessary as a contribution to efforts to avoid threat of violence and bloodshed in next year’s elections, adding that Nigerians need to be reminded that violence has the potency to compromise national unity.
He noted that with the growing number of internally displaced persons who are presently living in precarious conditions in several camps, the country can ill afford anything that could further displace people, explaining further that the rally tagged “#PeaceNOW” has no political or religious inclination but rather initiated to sensitize Nigerians against any form of abuse and violent conduct.
According to him, “Our country is presently faced with avoidable humanitarian crisis with scaring rate of poverty and fragile relationship between ethnics groups. There is a very high chance that this situation will be worsened as we go into elections.
“Sentiments and fear are usually heightened during our elections. Previous elections had left us with bitter memories of violence and turbulence.
We cannot afford to just sit back, pray and do nothing to attempt to forestall what evidently looks like an ugly situation ahead.”
The peace sensitization rally is organized in partnership with other NGOs and humanitarian groups such as the Belle Sisters Foundation, Yali Network, Centre for Sustainable Peace Foundation, Heart and Hope we Care Foundation, Strong Women Code Foundation, Davies Heart and Hope for Girl Child Foundation, Abuja Volunteers Hub with support from notable individuals and organisations.
Goodwill Ambassadors of Nigeria is a service organisation with purpose to bring together public spirited Nigerians in order to provide humanitarian service, advance goodwill and peace in the country.
