Osun governorship candidates sign peace accord

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

No fewer than twelve candidates of political parties vying for the governorship seat in Osun State on Wednesday signed a peace accord organised by the National Peace Committee in Osogbo, the state capital.

Speaking at the ceremony, the convener, Bishop Matthew Kukah emphasised on the need for politicians and their supporters to ensuring free, fair, non-violent elections.

Kukah said: “Whereas INEC can provide the level playing field, by the final analysis, it’s the conduct and behavior of the players that will determine how this game is going to play. 

“So, for you the members of the political class, in the name of the Peace Community, I want to appeal to you, we love our country, we love our democracy but please, politicians in Nigeria, we beg you, make it possible for us to trust you, make it possible for us to live you, make it possible to show that by choosing democracy, we have chosen to stay alive. 

“Because, finally as they say, the democratisation of development, leads to the development of democracy. That is, if we democratize the opportunities that are available to the widest number of our citizens, then our people will become enthusiastic to go out and vote.”

While urging all to shun vote selling and buying, Bishop Kukah advised political gladiators to show that honor and integrity cannot be substituted by money.

In his goodwill message, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission has taken every step to ensure a credible election come Saturday.

He commended candidates for agreeing to sign the peace accord stressing that It is one thing to sign but it is important to abide by the peace accord.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba promised that the police with other sister agencies will not only replicate the success recorded in the Ekiti election but also improve on it.

“We are not only going to replicate the success we had in Ekiti State but ready to improve on it in Osun State to ensure peaceful and credible election. I can assure you, the security agencies will remain totally apolitical,” he said.

Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi charged all stakeholders to prioritize peace before, during and after the election.