Edo State Peace Accord Signing: A Commitment to Peaceful Elections
3 min read
By Joy Richardson
Today, in Benin City, the National Peace Committee, led by its Chairman, Rt. General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, GCFR, hosted the signing of the Edo State Peace Accord, emphasizing the significance of the event beyond mere ceremony. “This is not just a ceremony but a vital commitment to the peace, unity, and collective growth of Nigeria,” General Abdulsalami stated.
He explained that the Peace Accord was established to ensure a safe environment where every Nigerian can exercise their right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation. “By signing this Accord, you demonstrate genuine concern for the safety and security of the people you aspire to govern. It reflects your dedication to conducting campaigns free from hate speech, violence, and thuggery, and your commitment to accepting the outcome of elections as free, fair, and credible,” he added.
General Abdulsalami urged all political actors and stakeholders to prioritize peace, emphasizing that the signing of the Accord symbolizes a readiness to place the interests of the people above individual or party ambitions. “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,” he said. He appealed to candidates, parties, and supporters to remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development are built. Without it, the promises made to the people of Edo State cannot be fulfilled.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair election on September 21. He called on all stakeholders to embrace peace and tolerance, assuring that the police are prepared to maintain a peaceful environment and respond to any potential threats, with officers trained to adhere to human rights laws and act professionally.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed gratitude to the National Peace Committee for organizing the Peace Accord and reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. He praised the collaborative efforts of all partners, including civil society organizations and the media, in ensuring that the Peace Accord is not just symbolic but transformative.
The Edo State Peace Accord, signed today in Benin City by 17 party chairpersons and candidates participating in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial elections, was witnessed by key figures, including the INEC Chairman and the Inspector General of Police. The event was aimed at fostering peaceful conduct during the election period.
General Abdulsalami concluded by reminding all attendees that the eyes of the nation and the world are upon them. “We have the golden opportunity to set a positive example for other states and nations by demonstrating that we can disagree on policies and priorities but remain united in our love for our country and respect for the democratic process. Peace is not an event but a continuous process for all,” he remarked. He expressed gratitude to all partners, including the European Union and the Swiss Embassy, for their support in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.
