…Says entire nation, the world is watching
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States, the National Peace Committee (NPC), has charged the electoral umpire, security agencies and other government agencies on transparency.
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in a statement issued in Abuja, urged the electoral stakeholders to conduct the elections with transparency because the entire nation and the world is watching.
Abubakar said the National Peace Committee, as a dedicated advocate for peace, stability, and the democratic process in Nigeria, maintained its steadfast commitment to contributing to peaceful elections and nurturing unity across the great nation.
Abubakar also said the National Peace Committee acknowledged the pressing need to cultivate a peaceful and conducive environment, especially with the escalations of violence in various regions of the country.
“The governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States offer another opportunity to underscore our unwavering commitment to peaceful democratic transitions, setting an inspiring example for the entire nation.
“The NPC continues to engage state institutions and political actors in our bid to facilitate the commitment of stakeholders to democratic processes, for the development and wellbeing of the nation. These efforts aim to ensure that the electoral process is conducted with transparency and impartiality, devoid of intimidating actions and incitive rhetoric, which could trigger violence. We implore all key stakeholders in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States to step forward and play their part in safeguarding our country’s peace and stability—before, during, and after these Governorship Elections. The responsibility for peace belongs to each of us. We appeal to citizens in these States to exercise their rights to vote, choosing their leaders according to the provisions of the law. Remember, your vote is your voice, and with your participation, we can collectively build a better state.
“As an apolitical body, which places the utmost importance on preserving the peace, unity, and tranquillity of our nation, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)–the elections ombudsman, security agencies and other government agencies that facilitate the conduct of the electoral process to do so with transparency, particularly because the entire nation and the world is watching. It is important to continually build and reinforce public trust in the process to ensure free, fair, credible and transparent elections,” Abubakar said.
While extending the best wishes of the NPC to the residents of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, Abubakar noted that the collective efforts to ensure the electoral process epitomizes the spirit of progress and hope, will set the standard for unity and growth in the country.
“The NPC hereby wishes to announce the signing of Peace Accords on Wednesday, 8th November 2023, by political parties and other election stakeholders in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States. This is to pledge their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and equitable elections in their respective states,” Abubakar also said.