Jonathan, Buhari renew accord on peaceful polls
(Nigeria) President Goodluck Jonathan, Presidential
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and his All Progressives
Congress, APC, counterpart, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Thursday renewed
their commitment to fair, free and violent-free elections with the signing of a
document to indicate their resolve.
The meeting, facilitated by former Head of State, General
Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee on 2015 elections and
witnessed by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah and members
of the committee.
The statement read by Bishop Kukah, read “Joint statement
issued by President Jonathan and Majo- General Buhari on March 26, 2015 ahead
of the 2015 presidential election.
“You may recall that on January 14, 2015, both of us, along
with nine other party leaders signed what has now come to be known as the Abuja
Accord. The substance of that Accord was our commitment to free, fair and
credible elections in our dear country.
“In the Accord, we agreed to, among other things, run an
issue-based campaign and pledged that our electoral campaigns will not involve
any religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and all
agents acting in our names.
“Now that the campaigns have come to an end, we meet today
to renew our pledge for peaceful elections. We therefore call on all fellow
citizens of our dear country, and our part supporters, to refrain from violence
or any acts that may in any way jeopardise our collective vision of a free,
fair and credible election.
“In addition, we call on Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC and all security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their
constitutional roles. We also pledge to respect the outcome of free, fair and
credible elections.
“Today, we again renew our commitment to a united,
democratic and prosperous Nigeria. We want to all Nigerians to stand together
at this critical phase of our nation's history.
Speaking with journalists, General Abdulsalam said the
renewal of the accord was to “Reassure the world and make Nigerians understand
that this country is more important than their own aspirations and that people
should live and reflect the ideals of this.
"This committee has been working round the clock to
assist the parties and Nigerians to ensure that there is peace and harmony
before, during and after the elections this time around.
“Mr. President was kind enough to see us yesterday
(Wednesday), one he is the President of the country and secondly he is a
contestant. And this morning Gen. Buhari despite his late arrival last night or
early arrival this morning was kind enough to meet with this committee.
“In essence all the meetings were held to brief them on the
current situation of the country and what we expect of them as stakeholders and
as presidential candidates.
“I want to thank both the President and Gen. Buhari for
finding time to meet with the committee. And I want to thank both party
chairmen for the support received in trying to send this message of peace.
“I'm happy both parties, the contestants are committed to
free and fair elections, free of violence. And this morning a document to
reiterate their commitment for this peaceful, free and Violence-free elections
was signed,” he said.
Comments
Post a Comment