The 16 governorship candidates in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State and their political parties have signed a Peace Accord put together by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

Notable among the candidates that signed the Peace Accord are incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri and Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressive Congress.

Speaking at the event, the NPC Convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah appealed to the candidates and their political parties to ensure there is peace before, during and after the elections.

Kukah, who noted that there have been questions whether the signing of the Peace Accord is worth it implored politicians to play by the rules.

According to him the Peace Committee is not a law court but an organisation interested in ensuring peaceful relationships exist among political actors.

“There have been questions whether signing of the Peace Accord is worth the while at all. Is it just a formality? The people that are being accused are the people who are involved in the process, that is the politicians themselves. The National Peace Committee is not a Court, It is like a good father and good mother who wants to see a successful marriage. The good thing about our democracy is that we know the contestants, we know their family, we know their communities. Bayelsa is not a big state. Bayelsans eat the same food, dance the same traditional dance, they have the same culture. Ordinarily this event should be a celebration of who we are and the celebration of our democracy.   We pray that this election is peaceful. Please vote to stay alive. Vote to see a great Bayelsa, vote.’’

Speaking after the signing of the Peace Accord,  Diri described the initiative as impressive as it would help to curb violent tendencies of political actors.

He noted that the PDP is a peaceful party and assured that members of the party would conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.

Also speaking Sylva lauded the Peace Accord, expressing optimism that it would be able to curb violent conduct of political actors.

He pledged that members of the APC are ready to conduct themselves peacefully for a smooth voting exercise on Saturday.

In her remarks, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Bayelsa, Rivers Edo, Mrs May May Adgbamuche- Mbu reiterated the neutrality of INEC in the elections.

She assured that a level -playing field  has been provided to ensure a credible, transparent and peaceful voting process.