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GAT champions peaceful elections in Kaduna
From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
As Nigerians go to polls on February 25 and March 11 to elect a new crop of political representatives both at the federal and state levels, Kaduna State Government has assured residents of the State of adequate security all through the electioneering processes and beyond.
The Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, gave the assurance while featuring in a one-day stakeholders’ roundtable on peaceful elections as a catalyst for active women participation, organised by Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) with support from Urgent Action Fund Africa, held at a hotel in Kaduna.
According to Aruwan, the security agencies have mapped out crisis hotbeds to put measures in place so Nigerians can successfully exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation from crisis merchants.
“We all have roles to play in issue security. I want to assure you all on the part of the Kaduna State Government that, we have mapped out locations across the state that have security challenges. From Birnin Gwari to Igabi, Chikun, Giwa, Zango Kataf, Kajuru, and other locations.
“We are working very hard to ensure those locations are secured. We have no problems. There is an arrangement to ensure that we are all safe and people can call our situation room on 09034000060 to report any security matter.
“If you also look at Kaduna-Abuja road, you must have noticed the significant presence of security personnel working in that general area. The same thing is in Kaduna-Birni Gwari road, Kaduna-Zaria road, Southern Kaduna general area are also effectively covered by Operation Safe Haven in partnership with the Police as the leading force in internal security.
“So, Kaduna State Government is supporting all the security agencies to ensure we have peaceful elections in the State”, Aruwan reiterated.
One of the stakeholders at the meeting is the District Head of Kaduna-Doka, Alhaji Bala Mohammed Tijjani who agreed that all hands must be on deck to guide against any election crisis this time around.
“Traditional rulers like me are expected to sensitise members of our communities on the need for a peaceful conduct of elections so the outcome is seen to be transparent and peaceful in our interest”, he said.
The Executive Director, Improvement In Respect To Social Status of Disability, Dr. Mica Shabi noted that in every challenge the able-bodied individuals pass through, persons with a disability pass through double, hence, the need for a peaceful environment for this group of Nigerians to vote.
“There is nothing important to people with disability in this world like peace. Peace is not a commodity that can be traded in the market no matter how wealthy you are though you can talk of defense.
“That’s why persons with disability are always interested in any idea that bring stakeholders together like GAT has done today”, he said.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the meeting, the Executive Director, GAT, Dr. Lydia Umar said, the meeting became necessary to stengthen female candidates following the gruesome murder of a female political leader in Sanga local government area of the State in 2022.
“We arrived at this important stakeholders’ engagement based on our experiences in Kaduna State. Sometimes, we have a crisis during campaigns. Sometimes, it is during elections. We are hoping that things like snatching boxes, fighting, burning fires, etc have gone.
“Again, we were prompted to do this because of the way and manner a female political leader was murdered in Sanga because of politics which means women are more vulnerable when a crisis happens.
“So, it is important for us to advocate and call on all the residents of Kaduna State to please allow peace to reign so people can vote for candidates of their choice. We are also looking forward to this election to make it a catalyst for an increase in women’s active participation in politics.
“For those female candidates, I congratulate them for even coming out. I will like to tell them that we have had security assurance from the state government and we will ensure they keep to their word.
“The time is now. This election is critical for female participation and if we miss it, it will be to our disadvantage”, she added.
Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) is currently holding a one-day stakeholders’ roundtable on “Peaceful Elections As A Catalyst For Women’s Active Participation” at a hotel in Kaduna with support from Urgent Action Fund Africa.
The engagement has representatives of the Media, government functionaries, women candidates, women, and youth groups, persons with disabilities, National Human Rights Commission, Kaduna Peace Commission, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and civil society groups among others are in attendance.
