The Police Command in Niger State, North Central Nigeria has invited political party leaders and contestants in the state for signing the peace accord towards ensuring a free, fair and credible 2023 general election.
The Commissioner Of Police in Charge of the State CP Ogundele Ayodeji in a statement by the Spokesperson of the command DSP Wasiu Abiodun said; “Peace cannot be achieved without collaboration and synergy with other relevant political stakeholders, hence the reason for the invitation for the crucial ceremony of the peace accord”.
CP Ayodeji added that the aim of the exercise is to remind all political stakeholders that their utterances, activities and movements must be subject of compliance to the law.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electral Act and their respective Party Constitutions must be respected and honoured”.
“As we signed this peace accord, we hope and believe that we will all abide by it, as we look forward to a peaceful electioneering process”.
The CP Niger State who further admonished political parties, contestants, and their followers to refrain from provocative speeches and the circulation of wrong information or misinformation through social media, which is tantamount to hate speeches., equally encouraged everyone to abreast themselves with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Public Order Act to ensure issue-based campaigns and the overall success of the process for the good of all.
While calling on religious leaders to continuously preach peace and moral values across communities, CP Ayodeji also called on community leaders to enlighten their wards in our respective communities against violence through constant meetings and sensitization.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Garki who commended the attitude of politicians in the ongoing electioneering campaigns across the State, commended the police and other security agencies for their effort in ensuring peaceful political activities.
He urged political parties signing a peace accord to uphold the pact and promised that INEC will provide a level-playing environment for the aspirants.
The Controller of Correctional Service, Compt. Salman Abdulkadir, urged the contestants to abide by the law, and anyone who refused to do so, the Correctional Centre will be ready to receive such a person in custody.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission Kumar Tsukwam noted that the Commission will ensure that road worthy vehicles are being used to convey materials and ad-hoc staff through synergy with NURTW, RTEAN and NARTO.
Equally, The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander, Haruna Kwetishe said that the use of drugs during campaigns or at any gathering will not be allowed, as drugs kill and destroy, and therefore, anywhere use of drugs is discovered, the agency will not hesitate to storm the venue for necessary action.
The IPAC Chairman, Hon. Isah Maikujeri appreciated the Police for organising the peace accord program and equally commended INEC for the introduction of BVAS to reduce manipulation during election.
He admonished political parties that power comes from God and therefore, should support whoever that emerges winner during election.
The political parties and contestants later signed the peace accord under the supervision of the Police Command’s Legal Officer SP Jude Akaeze.
The occasion was attended by political parties, contestants, INEC, heads of security agencies, human rights commission, religious bodies.
Olusola Akintonde
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