THE Director General, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, has said that it is the responsibility of NOA to mobilize Nigerians to shun act of violence and promote peace and tranquility for progress and development to thrive in the Country.
Dr. Abari made the call at a Media Parley on the Agency’s general activities and interventions held in Kano.
He said politicians who wanted to lead Nigerians at various levels now and in the future must realize that “If we lose the peace that we enjoy today, if we descend into violence and chaos, if we engage in acts that can open doors for dark people with ulterior motives to take advantage and wreak havoc on our Country, we will all be losers. It is by far easier to destroy than it is to build.”
He also said that, today, the challenge facing the Country is how to sustain peace and stability, stressing that at times like this, patriots, elder statesmen, women, men of conscience who put country above themselves must rise up to be counted and preach peace and stability.
The NOA Boss further said reasonable voices should be counted on the side of moderation and temperate conversation.
“We must all be sensitive and cautious in what we say, write or show on our screens. I call on the major stakeholders in the political events that are unfolding to rein-in on their key supporters,” he said.
Abari stressed that the caustic, insulting narratives that characterized the campaigns must now seize on all sides.
He said the media parley held in Kano was part of the final preparations of the Agency’s commitments to ensure successful polls across the country.
He pointed out that frequent engagement with the media, the fourth estate of the realm, had become very necessary in continued effort to communicate government policies, programmes and activities and engage with critical stakeholders on the Agency’s mandate.
The director-general further explained that before the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, NOA had mobilised its structure for massive political enlightenment and voter education.
He revealed that all the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) in the 774 local councils, the staff from the 36 states and Abuja and other senior officers from the National Headquarters were mobilised for the exercise.
“All the departments at the Headquarters deployed to markets, motor parks, traditional rulers’ palaces and religious worship centres to spread the message of election 2023.
“Additionally, and through the accreditation of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) our COMOS and others, totalling about 1500 staff of the Agency observed the election in various units across the country,” he said.
Dr. Abari further explained that NOA had mobilised its structure for massive political enlightenment and voter education before the Presidential and National Assembly Election.
