By Jennifer John
The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Princess Gloria Akobundu, has made it clear that it will not be possible to promote democracy and development in a country or continent whose election and electioneering processes are marred with violence.
Akobundu who was represented by Imo State Coordinator, Theresa Okoroafor during a workshop on Effective Implementation of the National Programme of Action/Sensitization and Awareness Campaign on Violence Free Election, held at Villa Garden Hotel, Owerri, Imo State, said one of the five pillars of African Union Development Agency, AUDA NEPAD and Africa Pear Review Mechanism is to promote democracy and good governance in Nigeria and Africa.
“But this will not be possible in a country or continent whose elections and electioneering processes are marred with violence”.
The Coordinator said the African bodies wants to utilize its early warning in entrenching democracy, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, of peaceful and secured Africa, with credible development and growth.
She described the event as timely in Imo State, considering the forth coming November 11 governorship election in the state.
Akobundu further disclosed that the aim of the workshop was to create awareness on the the management of democracy, by building a positive mind of Nigerians in the electoral process.
“Given the calibre of stakeholders here present, I have no doubt in mind that Imo State will have a free and fair election. I therefore urge you all to go back home and talk to our people about this monster called electoral violence”.
She also called on the media and Civil Society Organizations to keep blowing the trumpet of no violence during elections
In his keynote address, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, described election as a chain of activities, which when run properly and smoothly, the issue of violence will be very minimal, but will bread lots of violence when corrupted at any stage.
He emphasized the importance ensuring that provisions of the constitution and electoral Act are strictly adhered to by all actors and stakeholders.
Other speakers at the event included, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu, represented by Imo State Coordinator, Theresa Okoroafor
Imo State Commissioner of Police, represented by S.P. Michael Ejimkaraonye, Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Represented by Lt. Cornel B.Y Brumah, Controller, Imo State Correctional Centre, represented by Assistant Controller, Eke Anthony Chidi, Director of SSS, Imo State, represented by his deputy, Controller of Immigration, Imo State, represented by Deputy Director, Human Resource Management, Maria I Eluwa.
Others are, Commandant NSCDC, represented by Mr Sunday Matthew Ovey, Representative of ICPC, Student groups, represented by SUG President, Alvan Ikoku Federal Universit
