Kunle ADELABU
The campaign against political violence initiative of the NotTooYoungToRun recorded another major achievement on Saturday, January 5, 2019, as the candidate of the main opposition party for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2019 general elections, Mr Mukaila Ajagun-Lamina, also signed the Peace Accord and also called for a peaceful election.
He also declared his readiness to ensure that the coming election is violence-free in Ikorodu while signing the document at his campaign office in Ikorodu.
While addressingthe officials of the NotTooYoungToRun movement during the event, Mr Lamina stated that he is a man of peace and will do everything to ensure that the coming election is peaceful in Ikorodu.
“I am a man of peace and anybody that knows me will attest to that. I have never been involved in any violent activity.
“My own commitment to peaceful electioneering necessitated my support for this initiative and the signing of the Youth Against Violence Accord (YAVA 2018).
While commending the initiators of the accord which he described as very useful to achieving a violent-free 2019 elections, Lamina also pledged his support to the movement.
He suggested that a monitoring team should be put in place to detect any act among the political actors capable of causing violence and checkmating such.
Mr Lamina particularly alleged that some of his supporters have received threats from one of the opposition parties’ candidates.
“I want you to consider a monitoring team to ensure that the political actors are complying with the provisions of the accord. Through this, you can be able to detect and checkmate any act that is causing violence.
“I also have to let you know that some of our members have been receiving threats from the camp of one of the opposition parties’ candidates. This matter has been reported to the Divisional Police Officer but we are yet to hear anything from the police authority on the petition sent to him”, he alleged.
He stated that youths have crucial role to play if there is not going to be violence during the election
Also at the event, Lamina highlights some of his agenda for Ikorodu Constituency I if elected.
He stated that his focus will be on improvement of transport system on land and water as well as employment.
“The situation our people are witnessing on daily basis at the BRT terminal is condemnable. It shows that we don’t have good government. If elected, I will ensure that the monopoly of the operator (Primero) is broken and allowed for competition to give the masses effective service.
“We have been told that they have ordered for more BRT buses but we are not seeing the busses and our people are being made to suffer.
“I am also going to ensure that our water transport is effective and safe for commuters. What we need on the water is ferry that is capable of carrying people, vehicles and goods.
“I also intend to institute full empowerment program for our people if elected. We are not only going to train people in various skill but also provided them with capital and equipment and we shall monitor their progress”.
Speaking earlier, Mr Samson Bisiriyu, the Coordinator, NotTooYoungToRun, Ikorodu chapter, stated that the purpose of the visit was to sign the peace accord which is meant to forestall violence in the coming elections.
He added that the visit was also aimed at intimating the candidate on the forthcoming political debate among candidates and to know his agenda for Ikorodu, especially regarding empowerment and youths inclusion in government.
“The purpose of going round to ensure that all the candidates sign the document is to ensure that the candidates and their followers conduct their affairs peacefully during the electioneering period”, he stated.
He emphasized that the movement is working with the security bodies, electoral body, press and leaders of various organisations and groups to ensure peace during the elections.
“The YAVA is an initiative aimed at bringing about social consciousness to the candidates and the people that the elections would be violence free.
“The movement has involved the press to ensure the news goes beyond borders. We are appealing to candidates to make sure that their supporters are well enlightened on the importance of maintaining peace”.
