Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), a civil society organisation, on Thursday, cautioned the electorate against resorting to violence, saying that election was not a war.
Mr. Wale Ogunade, president, VAI gave the advice in an interview with newsmen 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 Houses of Assembly members, we want to caution electorate against resorting to violence because election is not war.
“We are not in doubt that more Nigerians will turn out to exercise their voting right during the 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.
“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.”