By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the National Peace Committee (NPC) has called on the Nigerian populace, others key stakeholders in the elections to consider the interest of the country above individual personal interest in the build up to the elections.
All Presidential candidates and their political party leaderships will be made to sign two peace accords, one next week and another before kick-off of electioneering campaigns, and shortly before commencement of elections.
Also all political actors especially their Media handlers must adhere to the contents of the peace accord, including strict adherence to issue-based campaigns devoid of personal attacks on opponents, use of insulting and inciting words and avoid spreading fake news.
This is contained in a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting by the National Peace Committee (NPC), and jointly signed on Thursday by it's chairman, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, a former Head of State and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.
For a peaceful electioneering campaigns, peaceful election proper and after the election to be achieved, “The NPC has organised the signing of two Peace Accords for the 2023 general elections. The first peace accord will hold on 29th of September in Abuja”, the Committee said.
According to the communique, the peace accord is aimed at, "committing all political parties, Presidential candidates and their spokespersons to peaceful campaigns and rallies devoid of violence, incitement and personal insults, but defined by issues at the very heart of national development and progress.
“The NPC calls on all Nigerians, politicians, political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria is placed first above regional and sectional claims”.
Next year’s polls, according to the communiqué, is also reminding all citizenry that the 2023 general election is more than an election; an opportunity to serve Nigeria, to defend Nigeria and to uphold her unity and progress.
“Nigerians should avoid the spread of fake news, and uphold the principles of tolerance, respect, civility and decency in all public and private conversations and engagements about the elections and the progress of Nigeria”, the Peace Council said.
Among participants to the meeting which took place at the hill top residence of former Military President, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, are: the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu.
Others are; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the former Head of Civil Service of the federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Etsu Nupe and chairman Niger state Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, two Nigeria’s topmost business moguls, Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote and the Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka Pemu. NNL.
