The President of Anchor Leadership Academy, Dr. Bolarinwa Omotosho, has enjoined Nigerian youths to shun election violence and thuggery, for peace to reign throughout the election period and in the country. 
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Omotosho gave this charge in a two-day sensitisation programme organised for the youth. He noted that the 2023 general election will not be the first or the last in the country, as such those involved in partisan politics should ensure peaceful conduct of the election, while the various party candidates should refrain from instigating their supporters to escalate violence that will heat up the polity. 
 
“Conflict is a contradiction arising from differences in interest, ideologies, orientations, beliefs, perceptions and tendencies in any interactive situation of human life. It is a contradiction that exists at all levels of the society, particularly during election period,” he said.
  
Omotosho warned youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to ferment violence or acts such as ballot-box snatching, vote buying, carrying of weapons to polling units and other forms of unlawful acts, saying all religious leaders should also shun hate speeches or comments that can hamper the peaceful process of the upcoming elections in the country.

“Youth must shun all criminal or antisocial behaviours that are inimical to the smooth and successful conduct of the election because the end result of heating up the polity will be to the detriment of all of us,” he said.

Omotosho implored religious leaders to rather use their platforms, including the social media, to promote love and unity in the country.
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