Doctors in Akwa Ibom hold street walk against electoral violence

• ‘Say No to vote selling in Imo’
Ahead of the forthcoming elections, members of the Nigerian Medical Association of Nigeria (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State have embarked on a street walk against electoral violence.

The walk which was organised by Inspiration Radio 105.9 FM, was the 7th quarterly fitness walks by the radio station.

Apart from the NMA, other partners who participated in the walk included the Youth Alive Foundation, The Catholic Archdiocese of Uyo, civil societies and student organisations from the state.

The walk attracted over 4,000 persons from different occupations and had in attendance, five governorship candidates, including Mr. Ezekiel Nya-Etok of the Young Democratic Party.

Leading over 100 doctors across the state to participate in the walk, Chairman of the association in the state, Dr. Nsikak Paul Nyoyoko called on all politicians across the different political parties to promote peaceful elections and eschew violence.

Speaking with journalists, Dr. Nyoyoko who is a Consultant Gynecologist at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital commended the organisers.

He opined that, apart from the health benefits of the walk, the exercise would also provide an opportunity to relay messages of peace to the public.

He said election violence could lead to trauma, disability and death,a nd thanked the state government for the massive reconstruction of the General Hospitals in the state, and the revival of the only quaternary hospital in the state, Ibom Multi specialty Hospital, Uyo.

He said NMA intends to use the walk to advocate peace before, during and after the elections, and called for fairness and professionalism among security agents involved in the electoral process.

Similarly, Junior Chamber International, JCI Oriental, in partnership with Citizen Advocate for Peace is Possible in Nigeria, has launched ‘Say No to Vote Selling’ campaign in Imo.

Led by Precious Opara and Chibuike Akujuobi, they paid a courtesy visit to Imo State Police Commissioner, Dansuki Galadanchi.

They disclosed that the campaign was to orientate the electorates, especially the youths against acts that are capable of eluding peaceful and credible exercise in the state.

They stressed that the campaign will include a walk across major roads in the state capital, Owerri with over 2000 youths and Imo people, who are expected to participate in the exercise.

Political stakeholders in the state, including election candidates, security personnel and clerics are also expected to feature.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka commended the group for their initiative and pledged to partner them for the success of the campaign.