By Giwa SHILE
Traditional rulers in Epe Division of Lagos State have called on youths across the communities not to be influenced by politicians for election thuggery and violence.
They made the plea during Epe division Stakeholders’ forum on Sunday in Epe.
TBI Africa quoted the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the forum has as its theme; “Towards peaceful general elections in 2019 and beyond.”
The forum was organised by Concerned Nigerians Group (CNG), in conjunction with some traditional rulers and political leaders in the division.
Oba Kamorudeen Animashahun, the Oloja of Epe Land, represented by High Chief Olatunde Oluwo, urged the youth to desist from all forms of thuggery and other violence in the community.
“Epe is a peaceful community and we have been enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
“I do not want any individual or youth to constitute any form of violence or cause unsafe environment for indigenes and residents of Epe.
“Therefore, I implore all youths and individuals perpetuating evil act to desist from such, as anyone found wanting will face the punishment,” he said.
Chief Babatunde Oludegun, the Bobajiro of Epe land, applauded the organisers of the forum.
“It is an avenue for the leaders to relate and interact freely with the youths and proffer lasting solutions toward the development of Epe division.
“It is also an avenue to brainstorm on the way forward and measures to be put in place to ensure a peaceful electioneering process at the polls,” he said.
Mr Edgal Imohimi, the Commissioner for Police, Lagos State, represented by, CSP Peter Edozie, Divisional Head, Ajah, appealed to Epe youths to be of good conduct during the forthcoming elections.
He said that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the coming elections.
Mr Friday Edobor, INEC, Electoral Officer, Epe Local Government Area, urged residents of Epe to obey and adhere strictly to.INEC rules before coming to the polling booths.
He said that underage and children below 18years would not be allowed to vote.
Earlier, Dr Nosiru Onibon, the Guest speaker, urged youths and other individuals to maintain peaceful atmosphere during elections.
Onibon further advised youths not to be influenced by stipends given by politicians to disrupt election process.
One of the organisers of the event, Mr Ladi Kassim, the Welfare Director of the Concerned Nigerians Group,lauded the guests and individuals that graced the occasion.
Kassim said that the forum had other developmental ideas and empowerment programmes for community development and human capacity building in Epe division and beyond.
