By Wendy Nweke
As next year’s general election draws near, the Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN has kicked against any sentiment capable of dividing the Country.
The National Commandant of the Corps, Professor Dickson Akoh gave the indication in Abuja during a Candle Light Procession to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Professor Akoh advised youths to disassociate themselves from any politician encouraging violence or acts capable of truncating a peaceful election come next year.
He urged politicians to market themselves instead of relying on rigging during the elections.
Our Correspondent reports that the procession commenced from Old Parade Ground Garki through Radio House to the Peace Garden in Abuja where the candle lights were put off to signify a call for cease fire from violence and conflicts.
The global theme for this year’s international peace Day Celebration is “End Racism. Build Peace”. In the mindset of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, racism poisons society, normalizes discrimination and spurs violence. In the 100-Day countdown message to this day, he opined that all of mankind “must fight it by countering hate speech, promoting dialogue and addressing the root causes of inequality”.
Based on the peculiarity of Nigeria, especially now that the 2023 General Elections is around the corner, we have domesticated the theme for the commemoration of this year’s UNIDP locally as “End Tribal and Religious Bigotry. Build Peace”.Through this, it is our firm belief that we need to do more on uniting Nigerian People in our corporate efforts towards ensuring a Peaceful society regardless of tribal or religious affinity. Hence, the force of PCN and its partners for this year’s event is more of advocating for an end to the hydra-headed challenges of ethic and religious sentiments which have, over the years, eaten deep into the fabric of our society in the most negative way.
Finally while praying for an expeditious end to the myriad of security challenges bedevilling Nigeria, we wish to commiserate with all the victims of violence across the country. In particular, we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant troops, whose lives have been tragically cut short in the front lines of the battle to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria; even as we wish the federal government, their families and friends, the fortitude to bear the pains of their irreparable loss