Feb: NOA raises red flags in 2 states in southeast, 1 in southwest, southsouth, northcentral each

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has raised concerns over possible electoral violence in five states of the federation during the forthcoming elections.

Dr Garba Abari, the Director General of the agency, disclosed this at the launching of the nationwide sensitisation to peaceful election on Monday in Abuja.

Abari said that reports from its field officers across the country indicated possible flashpoints in states like Enugu, Rivers, Imo, Ogun and Plateau states.

He stated that election periods are often heated up by great anxiety usually heightened by reckless utterances and action of some politicians.

“We have a duty to promote peace, enhance security, national unity and integration, using our diversity and our fault lines as a source of strength rather than a reason to commit violence.

According to him, we are all witnesses to the fact that some of our previous elections have been characterised by all manners of violence.

He called for a reversal of such menace, stressing that such must be addressed in the face of instances of pre-election violence that had been witnessed in places like Lagos, Wukari, and Taraba state.

The D-G said “our youths who are easily used by unscrupulous politicians as cannon folder for the perpetration of violence must be called to order.

According to him, this responsibility is on parents, guardians, religious leaders, opinion moulders, traditional rulers and youth leaders across the country as we draw near to the commencement of the general election.

He reiterated the commitment of the agency to national unity, brotherly love, tolerance of differing opinions and religion.