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  • Parties to sign peace accord Sept 12

    Parties to sign peace accord Sept 12

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu indicated yesterday that political parties taking part in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State are expected to sign a peace accord on September 12.

    The INEC chairman who spoke at an emergency meeting with national chairmen and secretaries of all the registered parties added that the decision to sign the peace accord early is to enable the National Peace Committee to monitor compliance by the parties before the election.

    Prof. Yakubu however frowned at the attitude of political parties in failing to adhere to laid down rules, especially regarding the upload of particulars of the polling and collation agents for the election.

    The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Julius Abure was not at the meeting. Unconfirmed reports have it that he was asked to stay away pending the resolution of the leadership crisis in his party.

    The INEC chairman said: “After consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the signing of the Peace Accord for the Edo State Governorship election will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Benin City.

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    “Supported by eminent members of the Peace Committee, the occasion will be presided over by the Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. You may notice that unlike the previous peace accords signed a few days before the election, it was decided to do so early this time around to enable the Peace Committee to monitor compliance with the code voluntarily signed by parties, candidates and other critical players in the electoral process such as INEC and the security agencies during the remaining days to the election.

    “This will add further weight to the Peace Accord beyond mere ceremony as demanded by many observers and even some of the political actors themselves.

    “The signing of the Peace Accord will be preceded by the INEC Stakeholders meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in Benin City. As usual, the meeting will be addressed by the INEC chairman and the Inspector-General of Police. It is an open forum for political parties, candidates, observers and the media to interact with the Commission and the security agencies ahead of the election.”

  • 2019 Polls: Buhari, Atiku peace accord ‘very strong message’—EU

    The European Union Election Observation Mission(EU EOM) says the final peace accord signed by the presidential candidates ahead of the 2019 presidential election is a very strong message to Nigerians.

    Maria Arena, Chief Observer, EU EOM, spoke with State House Correspondents, on Thursday in Abuja, after she led the mission to a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo.

    She said that the participation of the two front runners at the peace accord was significant.

    The duo of President Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) alongside 70 other candidates signed the final peace accord on Wednesday.

    According to Arena, EU EOM is in Nigeria to monitor the process before, during and after the Election Day, Feb. 16.

    “The different contact we had with public organisations here in Nigeria and also with the authority gave us information on the election process.

    “We have a discussion today; first we say we have to congratulate Nigeria for signing the peace accord yesterday because it is a very strong message to the population. that all the political parties especially the two biggest presidential candidates took the commitment to have a peaceful process.

    “ We are here for this election and for Nigerians. It is important to have this strong message.

    “We have also discussed different issues on our observations, because Nigerians need to have a transparency process.

    “They need to trust the process; they need to be free to cast their votes during the election and this is just what we are going to observe as EU Observation Mission,’’ she said.

    Buhari, had, during the signing of the peace accord, appealed to his fellow presidential candidates to commit to the ideals of peace so as to keep Nigerians safe.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already assured that it had done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign Peace Accord

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties’ standard bearers yesterday signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja

    This is the second time they have signed to ensure peace before, during and after Saturday’s presidential poll.

    The deal was brokered by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC).

    Buhari, who is seeking re-election on the ticket of the APC and the former vice president, eyeing the seat on the PDP platform, urged for free, fair and non-violent election.

    Stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, Buhari urged youths not to allow themselves to be used by self-serving politicians.

    The President, who acknowledged palpable fear being expressed towards the election just like any other elections, urged Nigerians to pray as they go into the elections beginning from Saturday.

    Identifying Nigeria as the “only real party”, the President noted that elections are only important to the extent to which they make the country peaceful to guarantee development.

    He said: “Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our democracy.

    “First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner.

    “I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country.  We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

    “Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition.

    “It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of women as candidates across the political space.

    “Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of political parties. As of now, we have 91 political parties, out of which over 70 fielded presidential candidates.

    “Although some candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.”

    “I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilises the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

    “We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns, and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

    “We, the presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe.”

    On the preparedness for the elections, he said: “The INEC, our electoral umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

    “It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.”

    Urging Nigerians to pray, he said: “As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country.

    “Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.”

    To the youths, the President said: “I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections.

    “We will vote according to parties, but in the end, the only real party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.”

    The President thanked the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Patricia Scotland, members of the diplomatic corps, the international team of observers, for standing with Nigeria and showing commitment to the growth of democracy.

    He also thanked Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other NPC members for the hard work they have put to ensure peaceful elections.

    Atiku appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    The former vice president said the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that were adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    He said: “May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the PDP, and then to Gen. Abubakar and members of the NPC for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this peace accord process!

    “Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.

    “As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.

    “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the INEC and the Police, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.

    “For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in previous elections.

    “Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed.

    “Consequently, I also appeal to the President, Gen. Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every eligible person who casts his vote is confident in the process and in the belief that the vote will count.

    “Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our constitution.

    “Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.

    “In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes.

    “So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation,” he said.

    Gen. Abubakar explained why his committee decided to organise the peace accord signing in order to ensure a peaceful conduct for all elections in the country.

    According to him, elections will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere, noting that even governance after election will not be peaceful without a peaceful environment.

    “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse,” he said.

    He said disharmony among political parties retards Nigeria’s development, adding: “Without cooperation among political parties, we are going nowhere.”

    He reminded the presidential candidates that by signing the peace accord, they had committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful election in Nigeria and that mere signing of the peace accord would not achieve the required objective “unless all other actors are forced to work with the same rules”.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon, urged the candidate to tell their supporters to ensure peaceful conduct during the elections so that in the future, there may be no need for foreign observers because the right conduct would have been assured.

    “May the winner be as dictated from above,” the former Head of State said.

    The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland said that millions of people across the world were praying for Nigeria and its people hoping that the election will hold peacefully.

    She noted that Saturday’s election will be the sixth since 1999 when the country returned to democracy after military rule and expressed optimism that the election will entrench and build on the gains achieved since 1999.

    She said the world was holding their breath because Nigeria was the largest economy with the largest population and that what happens in Nigeria affects all.

    “It is a burden that Nigerian leaders gathered here today carry. We call on their party, supporters and public to follow their lead. Elections will come and go, but this great Nigeria will remain,” Scotland said.

    Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Diete Spiff, urged the politicians to place the interest of the nation above their personal ambitions.

    “We appeal to the people to keep the peace.” he stated.

    Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo noted that Nigeria at this time has a great need for peace.

    He said: “It is an opportunity for us to advertise ourselves to the world and tell them we can do it and get it right. We will report whatever we see. We urge you to respect the will of the Nigerian people. We will work with INEC towards conducting free and fair elections.”

    The document signed by the candidates reads:

    • Reaffirming our commitment to taking proactive measures towards a conducive environment for the conduct of a credible electoral process.
    • Anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment before, during, and after the 2019 general elections.
    • Reaffirming our commitment to fully abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria, and to adhere to best international standards.
    • Desirous of sustaining and promoting the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
    • Determined to avoid any conduct or behavior that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.
    • Mindful of our responsibility towards the Nigerian citizens and their democratic rights, we are determined to place national interest above personal and partisan concerns.

    At the signing were INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah and Ebitu Ukiwe.

  • Bill Clinton, Scotland to witness second signing of the national peace accord

    FORMER United States (U.S.) President Bill Clinton and Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland are to witness the second signing of the peace accord ahead of Saturday’s presidential election on Wednesday.

    The first signing of the national peace accord midwifed by the Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC) took place on December 11.

    The accord was designed to ensure peaceful campaigns and political rallies.

    The second signing is coming at the instance of the Chairman

    In a statement by Fr. Atta Barkindo, Head Secretariat, National Peace Committee, the eminent personalities will deliver good will messages at the occasion.

    The statement reads: “The National Peace Committee, mindful of the importance of peaceful elections and non-violent transfer of power has engaged various stakeholders in preparation for the 2019 general elections.

    “To this end, it is pleased to announce that it has invited Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America and Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, to visit Nigeria from 12 to 13 February 2019 ahead of the Nigerian presidential elections.

    “Both President Clinton and Baroness Scotland will deliver goodwill messages at the signing ceremony of the ‘National Peace Accord’, which will hold at Abuja International Conference Centre on  February 13. President Clinton would also hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.

    “As we move into Nigeria’s national elections, the threat of unrest has to be taken seriously.  Both guests of honour enjoy enormous respect in Nigeria and beyond and we look forward to his counsel and advice to help Nigeria navigate through what will hopefully be a peaceful and fair electoral cycle.”

    The NPC, in the effort at ensuring peaceful electoral process, has engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, 91 registered parties, the media and civil society organisations.

  • PDP not committed to peace accord, says BMO

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the February 16 presidential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, were never committed to any peace deal, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) said yesterday.

    It was reacting to the opposition party’s threat to pull out of the peace accord it signed with the National Peace Committee alongside other registered political parties.

    The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, threatened to pull out of the peace accord over comments made by Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai that foreign observers who interfere in the electoral process would leave the country in body bags.

    In the reaction by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju, the BMO alleged the former vice president and his party grudgingly signed the peace pact in the first place.

    He said it took intensive pressure on PDP’s candidate before he “grudgingly” consented to sign the peace accord not more than 48 hours after all willing consenters to the accord had done so.

    Akinsiju said: “In issuing this threat at this time is in furtherance of the PDP’s Dubai agenda to build a case for the disruption of the presidential election or at the minimum, create a perception of ill will around the election with intent at discrediting the election which they know they will lose even before they commenced formal campaign.

    “To advance their evil agenda, in their desperation, they have continued to throw all manners of tantrums, rubbishing institutions of States without any modicum of patriotism and civility.”

    The BMO leader, however, assured that no matter the threat from the main opposition party, “the presidential election will be held peacefully and creditably well to their shame.”

  • Buhari to INEC: put Nigeria first in 2019

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put Nigeria first in organising free, fair and credible elections next year.

    He also noted that building on trust in any election was the collective responsibility of all citizens in the country.

    Buhari spoke during the signing of peace accord for the 2019 elections by presidential candidates and their political parties in Abuja.

    The President, who noted past elections have been marred by violence perpetrated by political leaders and the followers, said without trust, the country cannot strive on its quest for achieving any meaningful growth and development.

    He said: “I wish to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all arms of security agencies to put the nation first in their conduct.

    “The world is watching us and the task of building or institutionalising trust in our political system and institution is fundamental to the growth and development of our country.” he stated

    Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar underscored the essence of peace towards ensuring credible polls.

    He thanked Buhari for his commitment to ensuring peace and credible election as well as being present to sign the peace agreement and advised him to lead by example.

    He however noted security should be a source of worry to everyone, especially the leaders and cautioned their acts of commission or omission could make matters worse.

    He urged them to temper their utterances and action with responsibility and patriotism.

    “We have now entered the electioneering period, proper keeping of peace becomes the overriding objectives.

    “The election itself will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere. Disharmony among political parties hinders all peaceful efforts,” he said.

    He also condemned the subtle incitement coming from some religious houses, saying that they do not portend well for the country.

    He appealed to all participants to endeavor to stick to the contents of the peace pact they signed and appealed to INEC to carry out its mandate as expected of it.

  • Parties to sign peace accord Dec 11

    POLITICAL parties are to sign peace accord agreement on December 11, it was learnt yesterday.

    This was agreed after a meeting in Abuja between the Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar-led National Peace Committee and registered political parties.

    The meeting is aimed at ensuring peace before, during and after the 2019 general elections slated for February 16 and March 2, 2019.

    The committee met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday on the preparedness of the electoral body and promised to help address some of its challenges.

    Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah said after extensive discussions, the parties agree to ensure a peaceful elections.

    Bishop Kukah noted that the parties also agreed to adopt the principle of 2015, as a template ahead of the general polls.

    He said: “We discussed the theme of trust as a key ingredient in the conduct of our affairs.  In the end, we have resolved to adopt the same principles that guided the very successful 2015 elections and therefore commit ourselves to run issues-based campaigns at national, state and local government levels.

    “In this, we pledge to refrain from campaigns that will involve religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and by all agents acting in our names.”

    The parties are also expected to commit themselves to monitoring the adherence to the provisions of the peace accord and to support institutions of government and the security agencies to act and be seen to act with impartiality.

    Under the initiative, the committee said the political parties and politicians are to forcefully and publicly speak out against provocative utterances and oppose acts of electoral violence,  whether perpetuated by  supporters or opponents.

    In his remark at the meeting, Abubakar admonished them to help stem election violence and the growing practice of hate speeches.

    He cautioned the parties and their candidates on the need to ensure a successful and rancour-free campaign.

     

     

  • Governors confident as peace accord is planned   

    Governors confident as peace accord is planned   

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has reiterated the confidence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors that the party would emerge stronger after the December 9 convention.

    Speaking to reporters in the early morning yesterday after the meeting with chairmanship candidates in Enugu, Fayose, who is the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said: “We put PDP first and PDP is first. We are leaving Enugu believing that we will take power at the centre in 2019.”

    Flanked by other PDP governors, Fayose expressed the belief that the party would win Saturday’s governorship poll in Anambra State.

    “We believe we will take over Anambra if the election is free, fair and credible.

    “Nigeria is of age to conduct election that is acceptable internationally,” he said.

    Fayose said that the governors met to deliberate on the forthcoming national convention and discussed with the chairmanship aspirants.

    According to him, the convention will serve as a template for future conventions.

    All the chairmanship aspirants are to sign a peace accord today at the national secretariat in Abuja.

    Chief Raymond Dokpesi, one of the aspirants, described the move as part of efforts by the aspirants to ensure that the party comes out of the convention stronger and united.

    “With that accord being signed, we are going to look forward to a very peaceful and harmonious convention.”

    Dokpesi said the party was explicit enough on the issue of zoning.

    He said the party’s presidential ticket was zoned to the North. The chairman is to come from the South.  There is no specific reference to  states or geopolitical region.

    ”After the zoning principle, all the aspirants have agreed to work together to come up with a common position. Anybody can contest.

    “If the party in its wisdom and the aspirants agree within themselves and notify the party early enough that would be fine.”

     

  • Two warring communities sign peace accord

    The people of Ezzillo and Ezza Ezillo communities in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been living together for ages until 10th of May 2008 when they suddenly took up arms against each other.

    Though reasons for the war have not been established, the war led to mindless bloodletting and wanton destruction of properties in the community.

    The people of Ezza Ezillo were in fact sent packing from their community and they were forced to take refuge in various parts of the state and even beyond.

    The Abakaliki-Enugu road became a ‘no-go’ area as many innocent road users became casualties of the war leading to drivers taking a detour through other roads to get to their destinations.

    Six months later, a truce was brokered by the state government leading to a declaration by the then government led by Chief Martin Elechi with the disputed area declared a buffer zone. Also, the then government planned to resettle the people of Ezza Ezillo to a new location.

    But the truce was short lived.

    On 31st December 2011, the people of Ezillo were visited by hoodlums who proceeded to unleash a murderous attack on the people never before witnessed in the annals of the state.

    Many people, including children and women, were murdered, a situation which made the then Governor Elechi to shed tears when he visited the area the same day to see things for himself.

    “All measures that were proposed and adopted failed to stem and bring to an end the bloodletting and destruction in the community with the attendant distrust and insecurity that remained pervasive in the community when this administration came into being”, said Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.

    And so Umahi, on the 27th and 28th of April 2015, called for stakeholders’ meeting of the two communities and after an intense and fruitful deliberations, a 12 point communiqué was issued, which led to the setting up a 27-man committee.

    The committee was reconstituted to a 10 member committee, headed by the state Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, and it reviewed the 2008 government white paper and its attendant reactions from both communities.

    It was also charged with ensuring that the status quo as at 28th March 2015 was maintained; ensure that both parties do not intrude into the buffer zone and achieve a peaceful co-existence of Ezillo and Ezza Ezillo people.

    The Peace Committee concluded its work and submitted its report on the 15th day of August 2016. The committee made nine recommendations to government.

    The state government also set up a 40 man Review Committee on recommendations of the ten man committee also headed by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Kelechi Igwe.

    The Review Committee, after deliberations, adopted all the recommendations of Peace Committee for implementation.

    The recommendations led to the signing of a peace pact by 50 representatives of both communities at an event recently. The event was earlier preceded by a week-long fasting and prayer and a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

    Before the event, the State Governor, David Umahi and Ministers of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole and Agriculture, Audu Ogbe, visited the communities where they planted trees to symbolise return of peace to the area.

    Speaking at the event which took place at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Umahi said: ‘when a part of the body is sick, the whole body suffers! If there is insecurity in any part of the state, the entire state is affected’.

    He said the state government has set up an implementation committee headed by a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Abraham Nwali, with a mandate to ensure a deep reconciliation, reconstruction and restoration of the families of both parties.

    He also declared that the 317 hectares of land offered by the immediate past administration to resettle the Ezza-Ezillo people be increased to 500 hectares.

    While noting that peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means, the governor noted that “this decision, taken in the interest of peace and unity, calls for sacrifices on the part of the people of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo, as well as the government, including all that love peace for the well being of Ezillo Community and Ebonyi State in general.

    He warned that government shall deal decisively with anyone that seeks to turn the hands of the clock backwards.

    Leaders of both communities were seen hugging each other and exchanging gifts to signify their acceptance of the peace deal to the applause and admiration of the mammoth crowd at the stadium.

  • Monarch hails peace accord

    he traditional ruler of Okahia in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State HRM Eze Okey Ananaba has praised the state police command for initiating a peace accord signed in Umuahia, the state capital, by party candidates.

    The peace pact was to ensure a hitch-free election in the state, the state Police Commissioner, Habila Joshak said.

    It was unclear whether the peace deal was inspired by a similar agreement reached earlier by presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his counterpart in the foremost opposition party, the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking at his palace when the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti visited him, Eze Ananaba said the accord would have no meaning except it was enforced.

    The revered monarch admonished politicians to shun violence, urging them to play politics with the spirit of sportsmanship.

    He said, “What is of paramount importance to the traditional rulers is the peaceful conduct of the elections,” adding, there would be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of violence and rancour.

    The monarch also called on registered voters in the state to endeavour to collect their permanent voter cards or PVCs in order to vote the candidates of their choice, urging them “to cast their votes according to their conscience on the day of the elections.”

    Otti promised to run an all-inclusive and people-oriented government if elected into office.

    He assured that his administration would ensure even development of the state, promising not to discriminate against any section of the state.

    “I will give everybody a sense of belonging and there will be even development across the different parts of the state,” he said. “I will not discriminate against any person or section of the state, whether they voted for me or not.”

    The former Diamond Bank MD beckoned on the monarch to sensitize his subjects on the need to get their PVCs and feel free to vote for the candidates of their choice.

    “People should collect their PVCs and vote according to their conscience, he said, adding that they should not allow themselves to be intimidated by anybody.

    Otti said that he joined the governorship race in order to redeem the people.