The Development and Peace Initiative, a Non Governmental Organisation, on Tuesday in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria urged politicians, electoral body and voters not to compromise the May 12 Local Government Elections in Kaduna State.
The group particularly urged the State Independent Electoral Commission to be just, transparent and accountable in handling the election.
The Coordinator of the group, Rev. Fr. Joshua Achir made the appeal in Kaduna during a peace summit it organised to mobilise interest groups to ensure peace during the elections.
Achir noted that the state had suffered various forms of unrest and disturbances, as such all well meaning people should mobilise themselves to reject any attempt to foment trouble during the local elections.
“There is perception that months preceding elections in Nigeria usually come with all kinds of disturbances such as killing, thuggery, intimidation, hate speeches, kidnapping.
“The planned local government election holding on May 12 and the 2019 general election have all the traits and already characterized with some elements of violence.
“So the summit is to discuss these issues, analyse the danger of violence and find a possible way of preventing it and seek ways of reducing the risk it may cause and the setbacks inherent therein.’’
The coordinator stressed that “striving or competing for elective position is not a do or die affair.’’
Achir noted that though the task of ensuring elections are free from violence seems difficult, “but it’s surely not impossible if we see ourselves as brothers and sister in the field of play.’’
A veteran Journalist, Mr Joseph Edegbo said in a paper titled, `Ensuring violent free election’, said the media has the onerous responsibility of advancing freedom of expression, access to information, conflict transformation and peace building.
He said that the media must be fair, accurate and balanced in its reports to avert any breakdown of law and order during elections.
In his remarks, Director General, Interfaith, Namadi Musa, said peace is universal and everybody’s business.
Musa urged Muslim and Christian leaders to play positive roles in advancing peace not only during the elections but at every facet of life.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the summit was attended by the major political parties, religious groups and security agencies. (NAN)
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