By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Sokoto Catholic Diocese Bishop, Matthew Hassan Kukah on Wednesday presided over peace accord for political parties and candidates for the 2019 general elections in the sate.
No fewer than 50 candidates and political parties signed the peace pact where Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urging INEC to be impartial not to allow Nigerians to doubt its independence and integrity.
Four women gubernatorial candidates including Hajiya Luba Mohammed(NCP); Aliya Saidu Kebbe(Kowa party) and Salamatu Isah Abdullahi(PPA) among others participated at the signing for a violent free process.
The signing of the peace accord before all stakeholders and parties chairmen was presided over by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah at the conference Hall of Dankani Guest Inn, Sokoto.
Tambuwal while speaking further noted that INEC as an umpire should be independent enough to resolve and address all pending issues based on its guidelines.
According to the Governor who is also the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling PDP in the state also while describing democracy as a genuine process that should be protected and built with commitment of purpose by all stakeholders, said” we have to imbibe its tenets in conduct and practice.
” We have to guard our utterances, words and language to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and non violence elections.
” Our conduct as politicians can also influence the actions of supporters and other followers. Peace is what Nigerians desire of all contestants to display.”
He explained that peace remain the only alternative for success adding that” it is an important ingredient in achieving results in any election and in whatever we do”, Tambuwal pointed out.
In the same vein Tambuwal while commending the police and relevant security agencies, urged them to be more vigilant, tolerant and civil in the interest of the country.
The immediate past HoRs Speaker insisted that politics and power was never a do or die affair that politicians must kill themselves” we should remember that we are all one and whom ever God has destined to win or become the governor, so be it. No one can challenge same. Ours, is just to accomplish the process to conclusion but certainly not with violence”, he cautioned.
On his part, APC gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto commended the organisers of the all important process, adding that peace was a veritable and key factor to realising better and sustainable results in any pursuit of human endeavour.
According to the young politician and the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state said he and his party would abide by the signing of the peace accord assuring that the message would get to their supporters to also be committed to the pact.
” Most importantly, we will ensure that our supporters continue to be peaceful and armless through out the electioneering process.”
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abubakar Sadiq Musa appealed to the candidates, parties and their supporters to imbibe the spirit of peace in their political activities before, during and after elections.
According to Musa who commended the anchore agency, the International Research Institute(IRI) for organising and coordinating the peace process noted that peace was an essential factor in conducting elections any where in the world.
” It behoves on everyone of us especially the key players( parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies) to embrace peace and conduct ourselves”, he called.
