The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on residents of the nation’s capital to ensure that the Area Council elections are free from violence and crises.
The Director, FCTA Department of Security Services, Mr Abdul-Lateef Bello, made the call in a statement by Mr Josie Mudasiru, Assistant Director, Information, on Wednesday in Abuja.
At a Security Awareness Programme organised by the Department, in partnership with the FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum, held at Abaji Area Council, Bello urged youths to shun thuggery during election.
Represented by the Deputy Director in the security department, Mr Emmanuel Ogu, the director also enjoined youths to avoid any action that could disrupt peace before and after the election.
Bello said that the FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello, is desirous of a safe and conducive environment and committed to protecting lives and properties.
“We are appealing to FCT Youths to support government in enshrining peaceful co-existence as a way of life in our communities.”
He reminded the audience that security is everyone’s business and a priority of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Abaji area council, Abubakar Abdullahi, said “although Abaji is prone to security issues because it shares boundary with Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger States, the Chairman, in partnership with Security agencies, has ensured that crime and criminality have been reduced to the barest minimum”.
Also, the Youth Leaders, Yusuf Buhan and Muktar Akosile, who spoke at the event, warned youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians, and also should avoid flash points that could lead to their arrests.
Similarly, at Kwali Area Council, the Esu of Kwali, Dr Shaban Nizazo, emphasised the need for traditional leaders to meet with the youth leaders ahead of the election.
He said all hands must be on deck to work hard for a free and fair election that is devoid of crises.
The Security Awareness Exercise is ongoing and will cover the rest of the Area councils in FCT.
Emergency numbers were distributed to participants to enable them report suspicious occurrences in their neighbourhood in line with the mantra of “See Something, Say Something.”