African music legend, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia, popularly called Tuface, has called on the federal government to ensure adequate security...
African music legend, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia, popularly
called Tuface, has called on the federal government to ensure adequate security
of lives and properties before, during and after the November 16 governorship
polls in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
In a statement he personally issued in Lagos through his
non-governmental organisation, The 2Baba Foundation, the entertainer charged
Nigerians across the country, especially the youths to shun all forms of
violence and “work for peace in Nigeria.”
The statement, titled ‘Let’s Work for Peace in Nigeria:
Violence Erodes our Values,’ reads: “As I celebrate my birthday today, I call
for peace across our dear country, Nigeria.
“Different forms of violence including electoral, banditry,
herders and farmers conflicts, kidnapping and terrorism have and continue to
snatch the lives of Nigeria’s citizens.
“Let’s be clear, this is not a salvo to attack the
government, I am not a politician but an artist and social rights crusader.
“I am calling on
government (i.e our political leadership, security services etc.); and all
citizens (i.e artists, entrepreneurs, media okada riders etc.) to do everything
we can and must do to promote and guarantee peace.
“On my part, I have
dedicated myself to mobilizing Nigerian youth and engaging political, security
and traditional authorities to promote peaceful elections since 2014. “I have
worked with talented youth across Nigeria to reach 62 million people with the
message of “elections without violence” as the Ambassador of the ‘Vote Not
Fight: Election No Be War’ campaign.
“I will be leading
the campaign’s efforts to promote peace during the November 16, 2019
governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.
“As Nigerians, we must join hands together to resist
violence across our country, in whatever nature in manifests. Government must
however take the lead on this, as there are limits to what citizens can do – no
matter how well intentioned.
“As the November 16,
2019 Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections approach, we must remember that
the legitimacy of any government lies with its emergence from a peaceful, free,
fair and credible election.
“I call on Kogi and Bayelsa youth to say NO to politicians
who may offer them money to perpetrate violence or buy their votes. Let your
conscience lead you.
“In relation to all
forms of violence across Nigeria – we need to remember that there can be no
development without peace. We need to make the wise choice for the future as
violence erodes our values and kills our people.
“We must also look out for the vices of hate speech, fake
news, misinformation and disinformation which are certified triggers of
violence. “One love my people, thank you for all the support over these years.”
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