Strategies for Counselling against Election Violence in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: The problem of election violence in Nigeria particularly in Anambra State has been a source of worry because of its attendant consequences on children, youths and the society at large. The youths are induced to threaten or unleash violence as a means to achieve electoral and political success. This study investigated the counselling strategies for curbing election violence in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methods: Three research questions -what are the strategies for counselling against election violence?, what are the strategies for counselling against election violence as perceived by male and female counsellors? and what are the strategies for counselling against election violence as perceived by rural and urban based counsellors? guided the study. The population comprised 258 guidance counsellors in all the government owned secondary schools in Anambra State. The whole population served as the sample. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected using 15 item questionnaire developed by the researchers. The data was analysed using mean and standard deviation.

Findings: Findings showed that counselling is an effective way of curbing election violence. Result showed that orientation, information, enlightenment programmes among others is strategies for curbing election violence. Election violence is a social vice that is giving the entire nation sleepless nights. Based on the findings of the study, the following strategies such as effective counselling to youths parents and political leaders at various levels of government could go a long way in curbing election violence in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Recommendations: Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made including that counsellors should organize lectures, seminars and workshops for youths, parents and politicians alike. Also re-orientation programmes should be organized for youths by counsellors in conjunction with the government on values, ethnics and morals as the general decadence in the body polity has caught up with the youths.

Conclusion: Election violence is a social vice that is giving the entire nation sleepless nights. Based on the findings of the study, the following strategies such as effective counselling to youths, parents and political leaders at various levels of governance could go a long way in curbing election violence in Anambra State, Nigeria.