Abuja- Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the Chairman, Human Rights Commission, has warned Nigerian youths against posting aggressive messages about political parties on social media to avoid violence.
Odinkalu gave the warning in Abuja on Wednesday at a meeting by the Nigerian Young Political Leaders Forum (NYPF), aimed at safeguiding democracy ahead of the general elections.
He said some Nigerians on social media had been posting different messages about Nigerian political parties to provoke the public on daily basis.
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He added that the posting and use of vulgar languages that could aggravate violence must stop so as to avoid violence, stressing that pleasant comments must be encouraged.
Odinkalu explained that INEC would not be able to distribute 30 millions Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) before the general elections.
“It is not possible for all Nigerians to get the 30 million PVCs before the election; there is no need for any PVC, the constitution did mention anything like PVC.
“But the constitution requires three things such as minimum age requirement which is 18 years, should be a citizen of Nigeria and the voters names must be on INEC register,” he said.
He faulted the introduction of PVCs in election, saying international passport or driver’s licence would have been a better option.
Quoting INEC report, he said 68.33 million voters registered for the elections, but only about 38 million had so far received their PVCs.
The Chairman of the NYPF, Mr Moses Siasia, urged young Nigerians to place the demand for unity above all selfish needs.
He said “we must tell all the presidential candidates to give us a blue print for youth development and tell us how and when they are willing to engage young people in their cabinet.
“I have heard different comments and threats that are issued by Nigerians that if this party does not win this or that will happen; outsiders are listening to all these.
“The way we take our country, that is how foreigners will take us.
“This is why when we travel abroad, we are being subjected to high level of humiliation but this can be changed through the social media.”
He urged Nigerians to vote for the party that would bring development to the country and include at least 30 per cent youths in its cabinets.
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Also, Mr Nuhu Atta, the Secretary of the forum, said the forum came at the right time to place a demand on whoever won the presidential race to include youths in the cabinet.
He said youths were vibrant with new ideas, education and initiatives to make things work in Nigeria.
Atta said civil servants could not afford houses on mortgage for themselves due to low come; adding that average Nigerians spend two dollars per day.
However, the participants agree on one voice to vote for credible, accountable and moral leaders that would promote development in Nigeria. (NAN)
