GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES FOR ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION SIGN PEACE ACCORD

By Christian ABURIME

The gubernatorial candidates for the Anambra governorship election billed to hold in November 6, 2021, on Thursday, November 4, signed a “Peace Accord” at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State, affirming their commitment to a peaceful and violent-free election.

The peace accord which is an initiative of the National Peace Committee, was witnessed by the Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State of Nigeria; Rev. Matthew Kuhah, who is the Convener; Prof Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC and representatives of various security agencies including religious leaders.

In his speech, General Abubakar called for a violence-free election in Anambra State. He enjoined all the gubernatorial candidates to play by the rules of the game by eschewing violence and embracing peace.

He stated that the signing of the peace accord is not just a mere exercise but a clarion call to all Ndi-Anambra to commit themselves to a peaceful and free election exercise.

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on his part, commended General Abubakar for his commitment to peace, adding that his physical presence in Anambra State is a further confirmation of his commitment to peace and violent-free elections in the country.

He assured that INEC was fully prepared for the election and would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS), which has been previously used in both Edo and Ondo elections respectively, with about 98 percent success.

He appealed to the gubernatorial candidates who signed the peace accord to abide by its letters and spirit.

All the candidates later took turns to sign the peace agreement one after another.