By Oriri Peter

The rising spate of insecurity in the country has been a cause for serious concerns. Many notable Nigerians as well as civil society groups across various divides have expressed worries, that if nothing is done to urgently arrest total descent into anarchy, the Nigeria election slated to take place in 2023 may not hold.

In the same vein, a group known as "Global Youth Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication (GYSAPEO)" has called on the citizens to take decisive actions in mitigating the high level of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes which have resulted to wanton loss of lives and property. The group also called on the citizens to get actively involved in politics and political activities as that is the only to ensure only credible leaders that have the interest of the people at heart would emerge in 2023.

The chairman, Amb Ozegbe Chuks Emmanuel made this known while addressing newsmen at a press briefing yesterday, May 11, 2022.

Mr Emmanuel however expressed confidence that with the collective efforts of the masses, the country could be redeemed from the looming danger, noting that "the seeming crossroad which the country is currently at, could be turned into a defining moments to build a country the people would be proud of."

"The events of the past few years, have been nothing but noble, seeing our nation enmeshed in mind blowing violence, banditry, kidnapping, senseless killings of fellow citizens by criminal elements and all other forms of criminalities in full scale." Said Mr Emmanuel.

"Just recently, there was the gory, stomach churning and despicable video trending on the internet, of a couple who were soldiers brutally killed by yet to be identified persons while going for a function. Before then, the nation was jolted with yet another shocking incident of the train attack that happened in Kaduna, where a medical doctor lost her life and a couple of others Sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Up till this moment, some of them are yet to regain their freedom from the bandits." Mr Emmanuel lamented.

"Killing in Nigeria has become a daily occurrence, from elements whose postures continue to imperil our collective wellbeing as a nation."

"We cannot continue like this definitely!"

"Election is now around the corner, but it will amount to self deceit, if we do not rein in this reign of terror on our land. "

"As we know, election is very critical in determining who and who should lead us, so our participation and involvement are important, to ensure the process and outcome reflect our collective aspirations."

Mr Emmanuel siad his organization, "Global Youth Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication" in order to tackle this menace has planned a two pronged projects to address these two issues - insecurity and citizens participation in politics.

"First is the "You Alert" . This project essentially seeks to promote an understanding among Nigerians that the issue of security should not be left alone in the hands of the government and the security agents. It is our collective business to continuously works towards making the country free, safe and habitable to all."

"Our work is centered on engaging the citizens through town hall meetings, awareness campaigns, social media sensitization posts etc

"The second project, is "My Mandate (M²), 'I NO GO SELL MY VOTE." As the slogan implies, this project aims at educating the citizens on their rights to vote during elections and resist the temptation to sell their votes to corrupt politicians. We also use the opportunity, to let the people know the importance of participating in elections to choose credible leaders with the interest of the people at heart. How this action greatly impact on our collective wellbeing as citizens of Nigeria."

"Through our "My Mandate" project we also enjoin Nigerian youth to shun thuggery, and all manner of violence before, during and after election. They should refuse to allow overzealous politicians who want to cling power at all cost to use them as cannon fodder and instrument of disruptions to orchestrate violence during elections."

"Our resolve is to ensure Nigerians are better enlightened to know how critical their actions can influence political and security outcomes.

"The two are interwoven, elections can only hold in a peaceful atmosphere, therefore, we all should work towards restoring enduring peace in our country and ensure we participate actively and responsibly during elections."

Reacting to the negative implications of selling votes for financial gains, Mr Emmanuel noted that whatever gifts the politicians offered for votes cannot assuage for the huge loss in electing corrupt, and incompetent leaders.

"The peanuts, handouts from persons bent on holding us down as a nation are only but piece of superficialities and vanity which when compared to the gains of being law abiding, and responsible citizens fizzle into insignificance. "

"Imagine collecting peanuts to elect leaders who would take us further backwards, the consequences are dire and we cannot afford that at this critical period.

"We must shun also those who play ethnic cards or religious rhetorics to divide us, let us be united in our common goal to enthrone a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria."