By Favour Percy-Idubor, Benin
The signing of a Peace Accord, organised by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee(NPC) for the 18 political parties and their governorship candidates that are participating in the September 21 election in Edo State was, yesterday, boycotted by the Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and the party’s standard bearer, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
They said police were waging war against its members in the state.
The signing of the peace accord took place at 10am at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin -City, the state capital with the NPC Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as witnesses.
All political parties and their candidates, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were present at the ceremony.
However, the PDP did not make any commitment by failing to sign the Peace Accord, saying the police, which is responsible for enforcing the Peace Accord is waging war against members of the PDP in Edo State
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi said they withdrew from signing the peace accord on the grounds that the agency, the Police, responsible for enforcing the accord have, through their actions, shown that they had interest in a particular party.
He expressed worry that the Police, under the manipulation of the APC, had arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceived would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election.
He demanded the immediate unconditional release of the PDP chieftains who were arrested before the party can commit themselves to a peace accord.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar said actions taken at the event were not just a ceremony but an important commitment to uphold the peace, unity, and democratic values of the nation, Nigeria.
According to him, “Nigeria’s 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. Since our formation in 2014, the Committee has worked tirelessly to foster an environment where every Nigerian can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation.
“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 in Edo state. The signing of this Peace Accord signifies your readiness to place the interest of the people, which you want to serve above individual or party ambitions. It is a commitment to conduct campaigns free of hate speech, incitement, and violence, and to accept the outcome of the votes as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Elections are a pillar of democracy, and in democracy, there are no losers; only participants who play their part in advancing the will of the people they represent and serve. I appeal to the esteemed candidates, parties and their supporters to remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development is built and established. Without it, none of the promises made to the people of Edo state can be fulfilled “.
Speaking also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies will be supporting INEC to conduct the governorship election in Edo.
In his words, “I am here today to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and secure electoral process. We recognize the importance of this movement and the trust place on us to protect the integrity of this election. “We will remain impartial, professional and vigilante while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance and respect for the democratic process.
“We have put in place robust measures for the safety of persons and materials that would be involved in this election”, he said.
The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured political parties and candidates that they will continue to play according to the law and best practice as articulated in the clauses of the National Peace Accord that they commit themselves to. “I appeal to political parties and candidates to note that it is not your signatures on the peace document that will guarantee peaceful election. It is your commitment to its implementation that is critical. Therefore, as you sign the Peace Accord, commit yourselves to the implementation and terms of the accord and pass the message to your supporters at all levels for compliance. This is the best way to honour the effort and sacrifice of the Chairman and members of the NPC to peaceful elections”.
