The Social and Integral Development Centre has cautioned Anambra residents against violence before, during, and after the upcoming governorship election.

SIDEC finance officer Chioma Enwereuzor made this statement on Saturday during a voter education programme at Afor-Igwe Market in Umudioka, Dunukofia LGA.

The programme was organised  under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation, to promote peaceful and inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The project is being implemented by SIDEC in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Enwereuzor described electoral violence as destructive and counterproductive.

“Violence benefits no one; it destroys lives and progress; and can set us many years backward,” she said.

She said that security agencies had been placed on high alert to handle troublemakers, adding that the law would take its course on anyone found instigating violence.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair. Do not allow anyone to use you to destabilise the state,” she advised.

Ms Enwereuzor further reminded voters not to wear clothes, caps, or accessories bearing party symbols to polling units, as such would amount to campaigning on election day.

She encouraged peaceful participation, urging voters to stay and observe the vote counting if they wished, but to do so lawfully.

“Your voter card is your power; do not stay at home on election day. That is when you help decide the destiny of Anambra for the next four years,” she said.

She decried the growing trend of vote-buying and advised voters not to sell their votes, saying offenders would face prosecution under the Electoral Act (2022).

Ms Enwereuzor also reminded the public to respect the priority voting rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, as stipulated by law.

During the interactive session, a trader, Sylvester Njoku, identified challenges such as malfunctioning of voting devices and poor network connectivity as major factors discouraging voter turnout.

She also called on security agencies and INEC officials to perform their duties diligently to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

(NAN)