Police warn against political violence in Kwara as parties sign peace accord

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Fifteen leaders of various political parties in Kwara State, on Wednesday, signed a peace accord ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The event, which was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, GRA, Ilorin, was at the instance of the state’s Police Commissioner, Mr. Paul Odama.

It was also witnessed by heads/representatives of all security and paramilitary agencies in the state as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Odama, urged politicians, candidates and their agents, especially media aides to put Kwara first in their campaigns.

He said the peace accord was aimed at ensuring an acceptable, free, fair and credible electoral process.

The police commissioner restated the preparedness of security agencies in the state to discharge their constitutional duty of providing level playing ground for all political parties in line with the provision of the electoral law.

Odama emphasised the need for politicians to promote issue based campaigns and ensure civility and decency during public discuss as the election period draws nearer.

He said: “I appeal to the politicians, especially contestants in the coming elections, especially, their media aides and vote canvassers to shun incense and inciting statements, personal attacks, spreading of fake news and be committed to issue based campaigns and avoid hate speeches during political rallies

“Now to the reason for this gathering, just as it is being done across the states of the federation, we are here to sign a peace accord, to show our commitment to politicking without venom, where things are done in accordance with extant laws which would send a signal to our teeming followers that we meant what we say in the area of ensuring that campaigns are done with decency and civilization. 

“Hence we will have to put pen to paper as a form of commitment to Nigerians at large and Kwara State in particular that we are prepared to run a seamless and racour free campaigns devoid of acrimony, anger and violence.”

The event was attended by the representatives of APC, PDP, PRP, ADP, AAC, NNPP, APGA, APM, ZLP, ADC, APP, YPP, LP and SDP.