The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called on Nigerians to shun violence and ensure peaceful a atmosphere during the coming general elections.
The National president of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Lau urged women and youths to come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and should not allow themselves to be intimidated during the polls, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Lau called on Nigerian youths to denounce electoral violence during and after the elections.
“It is the votes of women that will determine who will lead the country after the elections, therefore, Nigerians should stand united against violence and activities that will jeopardise the elections.
”I advised all Nigerians, specifically women and youths to work together towards free and fair elections regardless of political party affiliations.
“As women, we are worst hit in times of violence and as patriotic Nigerians, our collective goal should be a better Nigeria,’’ she said.
Lau discouraged women from vote buying and selling or mortgaging their conscience and future for mundane things.
She advised youths against being used by selfish politicians to disrupt elections as thugs or engaging in unpatriotic activities.
“Vote for people who will not forget you when they win the next elections. This is for the sake of your children and the children of your children,” she said.
According to her, no nation can move forward without active participation of women in politics.
