Election: Concerned Nigerians blame violence on lack of conscience

A CROSS section of Nigerians, on Wednesday, attributed the prevalence of violence during elections to lack of conscience on the part of the perpetrators.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in separate interviews, in Abuja, the respondents said election violence occurred because those behind it had lost their conscience.

Mr Adaji Oloche, a student of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said that violence could only hold sway due to poverty of conscience.

“Many people because of poverty, have lost their conscience, regardless of whether or not something is right or wrong, as long as it would put food on their table.

“This applies to both the politicians and the youths, who are used to carry out these wicked acts.

“Many politicians are so desperate to get power that they deploy any means, even using other people’s children to cause mayhem.

“So, all those who are prone to violence should look inwards for God’s guidance and try to love others as they love themselves,’’ Oloche said.

He added that they should seek for peace for the country and avoid anything that would lead to violence by purging their conscience.

Abdullraham Zakariya, another respondent, said the youth should beware of such politicians because anyone who encouraged violence had no good wishes for the nation.

“Unemployment is not an excuse for lack of conscience, feeling of self worth helps you to reject any unsavoury invitations.

“We should go back to the basics of teaching of good conscience to our children and youths”.

Zakariya called on all citizens to re-awaken their conscience for the good of the whole country. (NAN)