- Jegede, Agboola, Akeredolu, Others Sign Peace Accord
As part of the preparations towards having a violence free gubernatorial election in Ondo State on Saturday, the state’s Governor and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other candidates have pledged to embrace peace irrespective of the outcome of the election.
The peace accord signing ceremony held on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo State capital was witnessed by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, a member of the National peace of committee who said the essence of the peace accord is to ensure that there is peace in Ondo State.
According to him “It is imperative to call on everyone to work towards peaceful election to ensure peace reigns during and after the election”.
While speaking, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu expressed appreciation to the members of the Peace Accord under the leadership of General Abdulsalam Abubakar for their efforts towards ensuring peace most especially during the election period in the State.
Addressing the meeting, former Head of State, General Abubakar said the signing of the Peace accord became necessary following pockets of violence between supporters of the major political parties ahead of the exercise.
The signing of the peace accord was attended by the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu who was represented by DIG Adeleye Oyebade; the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, and some traditional rulers in the State.
Speaking at the event, Akeredolu said that the previous elections in the State had been peaceful, assuring that Saturday’s poll will also be peaceful.
On his part, Jegede called on the police and other security agencies to be neutral in the discharge of their duties during the election.
Ajayi while speaking assured that the peace accord would be respected.
The Chairman of National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, asked contestants to prevail on their supporters to avoid causing problems during the election.
Bishop John Onaiyekan and Bishop Mathew Kukah said the signing of the Accord was not just a mere ceremony but a spiritual vow among candidates participating in the election.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, called on the candidates to respect the Peace Accord, stressing that it was the basis for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election.
He urged supporters of the various political parties to eschew violence, stating that no election was worth the life of any individual.
Packaged By Emmanuel Adeniran
