By Magnus Aluma.
Candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and the Ohaukwu Youth Assembly, on Sunday, signed a peace accord to prevent violence during the polls.
At the event, which took place at the Grace Event Centre, Ohaukwu, the candidates came under scrutiny as the youth engaged them in an interactive session on their plans.
Anchor Reporters_ reports that the event brought together, candidates of various political parties, for them to present their plans, sign a peace pact and commit themselves to violence-free campaigns ahead of the forthcoming elections.
National President of the Ohaukwu Youths General Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Onah, said the forum was a platform for youths to physically engage party candidates from the area, and assess their capacity to deliver effective representation.
Mr. Omaha said the Assembly was the first youth association bringing together young people from Ezzamgbo, Ngbo, Effium and Ezza-Effium communities under one umbrella.
He stated that the group had worked tirelessly to reduce cult-related activities, drug abuse and youth restiveness in the area, warning that the peace currently being enjoyed in the local government must not be undermined by political activities.
His words: “this is what we are doing, and we have ensured that all participating candidates signed a peace accord, pledging to conduct their campaigns peacefully, in the manner that their supporters refrain from violence and acts capable of disrupting public order.
“We want a situation where our mothers can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“We want development, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“That is why we invited all the candidates to tell the youths what they have to offer before seeking their votes,” he added.
The youth leader frowned at the absence of some party candidates at the forum, an attitude he described as a total disregard to the youth body.
He said that the engagement was open to candidates across political parties and was conducted under adequate security arrangements approved by relevant security agencies in the state.
In an address, the candidate for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Mr. Tochukwu Ogalagu identified unemployment as one of the major causes of insecurity and social unrest among the young people.
He argued that meaningful youth engagement through employment opportunities would significantly reduce violence and criminal activities in the area.
He said, “the first thing a representative ought to do is to take youths off the streets.
“When youths are gainfully employed, there will be no war.
“What we are offering is not rice or handouts but opportunities for employment and empowerment.”
Ogalagu promised to prioritise job creation, educational scholarships, skills acquisition programmes and infrastructure development if he was elected.
He also pledged to sponsor postgraduate education for qualified youths across the constituency and support women through cassava processing initiatives and access to soft loans.
Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Ohaukwu South State Constituency, Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, highlighted his plan in education and youth empowerment.
He said he had established educational institutions and scholarship schemes through his foundation and would expand such interventions if elected into public office.
Kelechi noted that legislative representation extends beyond lawmaking to include effective oversight, and ensuring that government projects are properly executed for the benefit of the people.
The APGA flagbearer assured constituents that he would champion policies that would create employment opportunities for the young people in the constituency.
Other participants, including; Mr. Christopher Ajagba,
Mr. Sebastine Odono, and Comrade Christian Iduma identified peace building as a major priority for the constituency.
They lamented the prolonged Effium/Ezza-Effium crisis, and other communal disputes affecting parts of the area, pointing out that sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.
A guest speaker at the event, Mr. Michael Elom, warned against the misuse of social media and cautioned youths on the legal implications of cyber bullying, defamation and invasion of privacy.
He urged candidates to embrace issue-based politics and avoid actions capable of inciting hatred or damaging the reputation of their opponents.
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