One can keep wondering about the sanity of our youths when it comes to celebrating moments.
I could remember that in Kaduna state many associations used different media advocating peace and tolerance among different party members.
Clerics and societal organisations also used their chances to solidify peaceful relations among the people.
The president, Muhammadu Buhari also in his thanks speech called on his supporters to be calm as he said, ” I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.”
Most of the celebrations are unconventional, targeted to harass and intimidate the opposition.
One of my friend a PDP member told me that he couldn’t come out for his safety as he said “Anything can happen to me.”
Not only in Kaduna state, as it had happened in 2015 celebrations of Muhammadu Buhari’s victory, lots of lives were lost.
Many concern citizens and clerics have keep preaching on how youths should celebrate their victory for the intervention of God.
But, nothing has changed because in the wee hours of Tuesday, midnight Kaduna and Kano started celebrating the APC presidential election before the official announcement of the winner by INEC.
Though in some places, the youths only flock together dancing and eating but others, endangered themselves in reckless race of very high speed.
There was report of deaths of many celebrants of the APC presidential election in many states.
In Kaduna state, the race began in Hayin Rigasa where many injured and one killed by car hit.
At Murtala Square, a venue known for such reckless celebration many youths were injured seriously, though, there is no any report of loss of life.
My neighbour was hit by car on his motorcycle and lost three of his front teeth and a friend, Abubakar, got his leg smashed and now receiving treatment in Dala Hospital, Kano.
Such accidents can be stopped when road safety keep doing their work without break and apprehend offenders of traffic laws.
While, clerics and journalists should keep advocating the effect of reckless celebrations as we have few days to governorship elections on 9th March, 2019.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim
The Secretary General, Youths Salvation, Kaduna
[email protected]