Candidates of Edo Governorship Election signed a peace accord Tuesday in Benin City, Edo state. The action was initiated by the National Peace Committee, in collaboration with Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (Yiaga Africa).
Speaking during the event, a member of YIAGA Africa’s board, Ezenwa Nwagu, said the accord was necessary, following the previous narrative that suggests the drums of war in the coming election.
According to him, YIAGA in collaboration with the National Peace Committee organized the event to douse tension in some quarters and avoid bloodshed on Saturday.
He said the Peace Committee led by General Abdusalam Abubakar, Mathew Kukah among others has moral weight and authority.
Nwagwu, in his words said, “so YIAGA Africa, working with the peace committee, decided to source that moral weight and bring it to bear on political actors in Edo State, to ensure they understand that this election is about the Edo people and their livelihood.”
He is however optimistic that the poll would be conducted smoothly with a governor emerging to govern the state for the next four years.
In attendance during the peace accord were the Chairman, National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, member of the committee and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto diocese, Most Revd. Matthew Kukah. Also members of the political class, traditional rulers witnessed the signing to pave way for a violent–free election.
