By Oyibo Salihu, Lokoja and Adeola Akinbobola,Abuja
Chairman National Peace Committee General Abubakar Abdulsalami (rtd) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate a high level of impartiality in the Saturday’s off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
General Abdulsalami made the call Wednesday in Lokoja during the signing of Peace Accord by the 18 participating political parties in Kogi state governorship election to ensure a violence-free and fair election.
Represented by a committee member, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Nigeria’s Head of State said Nigeria elections can be peaceful and devoid of violence if all the critical stakeholders played their respective roles.
He said the time had come for contestants to present themselves for election instead of imposing themselves on the electorate who had the constitutional right to elect their leaders.
“This meeting is sacrosanct because election in Nigeria has become a do-or-die affair and it is not healthy to the nation and her citizens,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Mathew Hassan Kukah, who was represented by Attah Barkindo, urged politicians to conduct themselves properly for smooth electioneering process.
Bishop Kukah appreciated the people of Kogi state for their resilience and believe in democracy adding that, violence should always be discouraged during election.
“Whatever happens, democracy is better than dictatorship. I want to appreciate all the political parties that are present here. We were afraid that nobody will honour this peace accord.
“The reason is that people have lost trust and they are in despair. There is despondency across the land. People don’t trust institutions. You have come out and supported us for this great course.
“We are highly grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), security agencies for all the support and partnership we have received over the years,” he said.
