Ivm News
Since the formation of the National Peace Acord Committee headed by former Military Head of States General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR in 2014, the Committee activities has been narrowed to national elections but as the Edo state gubernatorial election heats up, the committee frontiers of operation is been extended to states elections hence the Committee headed by the former Head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar where in Benin to do the needful.
According to him, ” This is not just a ceremony but an important commitment to uphold the peace. Unity, and democratic values of our dear nation. Nigeria”
” I welcome all our partners, particularly the INEC Chairman and his commissioners, Civil Society Organisations, Media Houses, and everyone who has responded to our invitation to come and be chief witnesses to the signing of the Peace Accord”
” Nigeria democratic journey has been shaped by the dedication of its people and the unwavering efforts of institutions like the National Peace Committee, which is committed to promoting peaceful, credible and fair elections”
” Today as we stand on the gateway of yet another critical election in Edo state, we urge all political actors and stakeholders to commit themselves to the cause of peace on Edo state as the signing of the peace accord signifies your readiness to place the interest of the people which you want to serve above individual or party ambitions”
General Abubakar who appealed to the candidates, supporters and their party members said peace is the foundation upon which progress and development any state and nation is built upon, without it every other promises made can not come to reality.
However the Edo People’s Democratic Party (PDP), represented by its State Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi, had earlier in a press conference give conditions to be part of the process, citing concerns over the recent arrest of its members.
Aziegbemi stated that the party would only consider signing the accord if the police releases its arrested members, redeployed the present Commissioner of police and change the state electoral Chairman whom they perceived are not be apolitical
The National Peace Committee which had arranged for 18 political parties to sign the agreement is yet to respond to the development
The refusal of the PDP to sign the Peace Accord raises dust about potential crises as the final campaigns prior the governorship election is here.