2023 Elections: Women March For Peaceful Polls In Lagos

Women from all walks of life Thursday, February 2, 2023 embarked on a peaceful march in Lagos State, Nigeria as part of efforts to promote awareness for issue-based campaigns by political parties and their aspirants and peaceful participation in the general elections with the presidential and national assembly polls taking place on February 25, while the gubernatorial and state assembly elections billed for on March 11, 2023.
The exercise, according to the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Nigeria (WANEP-Nigeria), and Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF- Africa) was geared to enhance individual capacities on the need to exercise their fundamental rights as citizens of Nigeria in a well-organized and peaceful manner devoid of violence.
The One-Day March commenced from the premises of the Lagos State Television (LTV8) along Agidingbi road and terminate at the State Secretariat Alausa, where the women will present a report to the state governor, Babajide-Sanwo Olu.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, January 31, national coordinator of WANEP-Nigeria, Chief. Dr. Bridget Osakwe said the organization, which is the largest peacebuilding network in Nigeria has noted with deep concern the persistent spate of insecurity and violence in the country with untold consequences on the lives and livelihoods of the citizenry, especially during elections.
She said the increasing rate of violence has created instability in the country and disrupted the lives of men, women, and children with a grave impact on the nation’s economy and community livelihoods.
Dr. Bridget explained that the one day action is aimed at promoting peace and oneness in the coming elections, noting that there are fears over violence in the elections.
“We seek to create awareness and advocate the need for oneness and a violent free 2023 elections. Elections in Nigeria have been of major concern to its citizenry, as many are frightened by violent incidents that may occur and most especially its effect on women and children.”
She commended the laudable efforts of the federal government, the Lagos State and the various peacekeeping units’ agents for their efforts in ameliorating the reoccurring violence and crime in the country as well as working to ensure there is peace in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
Decrying the dilemma of re-occurring violence in elections in the country, the WANEP-Nigeria national director called for a system-wide strategy to defend and promote the rights of the citizenry.
“The reoccurring violence Nigerians experience during elections is a dilemma we face as a country, but it should not stop us from doing what we can to defend and bring back sanity, tranquility, and most importantly, a violent free 2023 elections to our beloved country.
“As a civil society organization committed to the promotion of peace and stability in the country, WANEP-Nigeria hereby calls for constructive collaboration with relevant key stakeholders towards finding a lasting solution to this hydra-headed problem.
“We recommend the adoption of a system-wide strategy to protect and defend the rights, lives, and dignity of the citizens as well as promote sustainable and peaceful elections in Nigeria,” stated
She pledged WANEP’s “commitment to stand with the relevant authorities and stakeholders in carrying out these noble efforts and willingness to contribute its quota to ensure lasting peace and a violence- free 2023 elections is achieved in the country”.
“We look forward to uniting to advance our common agenda to leave no one behind and sustain peace in our country,” the national coordinator added.