#Guber/AssemblyPolls2019: Group enjoined electorates to go out and vote, no violence

Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), a civil society organisation, on Friday cautioned electorate against resorting to violence, saying that election was not a war.

Mr Wale Ogunade, President, VAI gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, ahead of preparations for the March 9, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

“As Nigerians once again proceed to their polling units across the country to elect Governors and State Houses of Assembly members, we want to caution electorate against resorting to violence because election is not a war.

“We are not in doubt that more Nigerians will turn out to exercise their voting right during the Governorship and House of Assembly polls, particularly as it is commonly said that all politics is local.

“We want to urge voters to exercise utmost restraint, even in the face of provocation, as we are of the strong view that the law enforcement agents are equal to the task,” he said.

Ogunade commended Nigerians for their peaceful conduct during the Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“In spite of apprehension and concern raised ahead of the election, it is gratifying to note that the exercise went largely peaceful across the country except for pockets of thuggery, smattering.

“There were also cases of ballot box snatching and vote buying on the part of some unscrupulous politicians.

“Although, there was general apathy as evidenced in the low turnout of voters, we are however of the view that this may be as a result of skepticism.“

He also said that the development might not be unconnected with the initial cancellation of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). (NAN)