The governorship candidates of the Anambra poll taking place on November 6 signed a peace accord at Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State.
The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abuja, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, presided over the event, and also present at the signing were; Mr Valentine Ozigbo of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Andy Uba, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Obiora Okonkwo, of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Dr Godwin Maduka of the Accord Party.
In his address, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that without peace, INEC’s deployment plans, innovations in result management, the safety of personnel, security of materials and above all, the credibility of elections would be defeated.
According to him, “the Commission is committed to conducting a transparent and credible election.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba Alkali, represented by DIG in charge of Operation, Mr Zaki Ahmed, said that “peace must be maintained before, during and after the Anambra election.”
General Abdulsami Abubakar, chairman of the peace committee in his address, said that the signing of the Peace Accord by the governorship candidates was “a way of reaffirming that they must conduct themselves professionally and peacefully ahead of the Governorship election. From what I have seen here, I believe we will witness a free, fair and credible election.”
Abdulsalami urged every stakeholder to cooperate with INEC and other security agencies for a free exercise. Others present at the signing were the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, State security Chiefs, Party State Chairmen, supporters and traditional rulers. Many security agents were on the ground to ensure peace and order.
Suzan O.
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