Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) University of Uyo, (UNIUYO), Professor Nyaudo Nyaudo has identified the high rate of unemployment youth population and weak legal system as the major causes of electoral violence in the country.
Professor Nyaudo made the submission while presenting a paper with the theme,”The benefits of conducting free, fair, credible and violence-free 2019 general elections in Akwa Ibom state.”
He argued that government is not doing enough to stem down electoral violence in the country especially with the high population of unemployed youths idling away their youthful energy, which, according to him, makes them ready tools for politicians to engage in carrying out violence before, during and after elections.
According to him, “one of the roots cause of electoral violence is unemployment, the failure of the government to provide job for the teaming youths makes the youths an easy tools, politicians use them as thugs to carry out electoral violence.
Nyaudo, who delivered a lecture at an award and presentation ceremony organized by Akwa Ibom state chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council(IPAC), also blamed the judicial system in the country for its failure to prosecute the perpetrators of electoral violence.
“The failure of judicial system to prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence has given room for more crimes to be committed.”
Earlier, the state chairman of the IPAC, Mr Ekomobong Akpan said that the just concluded 2019 general elections marked a new era in the history of elections in Akwa Ibom state.
Akpan said the previous elections in the state were characterised by “politically motivated kidnapping, assassinations, political crises and a symphony of blood bath.”
He lauded the proactive disposition of of security agencies and other stakeholders in the electoral process which he stressed accounted for the huge success recorded in the peaceful elections in the state.
The IPAC chairman urged the winners of the last general elections to run an inclusive government for the interest of development and realization of projects and programmes of the state.
Highlight of the ceremony was the award of honour to distinguish personalities and organisations who contributed towards the peace and violence free 2019 general elections in the state.
Some of those honoured included the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini, DSS, Fire Service, NSCDC, NDLEA and the state council of the NUJ.
