Abubakar, Kukah, others Preach Tolerance as Anambra Guber Candidates Sign Peace Accord

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) has called on candidates participating in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra state to honour the principles of democracy.

He stressed that democracy must always reflect the will of the people.

Speaking on Monday in Awka during the signing of peace accord for the governorship off-cycle election, Abubakar, represented by Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai, said Anambra deserved peace and stability.

A total of 16 political parties are contesting in the exercise expected to hold across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres in the 21 Local Government Collation Centres of the state.

Convener, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah reassured the Committee’s determination to ensure democracy was not only credible, but believable and trustworthy by Nigerians.

He appreciated all stakeholders for honoring the invitation, expressing confidence the new leadership of the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would bring in certain level of quality resilient and experience about democratic processes.

While commending security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding the process, Kukah said, “confidence of the citizens is strengthened when the institutions carry out their duties with fairness and honor.

“We commend and encourage the INEC team for doing exceptionally difficult job for a people that have difficulty in appreciating sacrifices.

“We acknowledge your efforts and urge you not to be discouraged by criticisms and seeming frustrations of ordinary Nigerians as you brace up for the task ahead,” he

The Bishop also commended the traditional rulers who he described as burden bearers at the grassroots, saying, “your words of wisdom are invaluable especially in a country where so many expansion of lands are ungoverned.

“Nigeria is undergoing a certain level of psychological nervousness because of the current news. Let’s continue to pray for our country because nothing will happen without God’s approval.

“I’m happy with assurances from stakeholders in the state. I urge you to live according to the light. Be the light of the world and nation. I pray your election will bring honor to your state to our nation,” he added.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

He noted that INEC’s success would depend largely on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies and the electorate.

Reaffirming the commission’s resolve to combat vote-buying, the INEC boss warned that individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the
people would be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun reassured Police preparedness to ensure Saturday’s governorship election was conducted under atmosphere of absolute security, fairness, and public confidence.

Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Ben Okolo also assured neutrality of the Police and other security agencies in the management of election security.

According to him, detailed security strategies have been mapped out in collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property throughout the exercise.

He however warned that peace of the State is not negotiable while the integrity of the election would not be compromised.

While signing the peace accord, candidates of various political parties pledged to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and State Governor Chukwuma Soludo described the peace accord as a vital step toward deepening democracy in the state.

He said the event symbolised unity and collective commitment to peaceful elections.

“The Anambra way is to contest fiercely and embrace one another the next day after the elections,” he said .

He expressed confidence that INEC would uphold the will of the people.