By Okey Maduforo Awka.
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Prof Joseph Ojo Ampitan has announced that the Anambra Gubernatorial election is the first test of his ability to ensure transparency in the conduct of future elections in the country.
This is coming as the Chairman National Peace Committee (NPC) and Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese Rt Rev Hassan Matthew Kukah urged the 16 gubernatorial candidates to see the Saturday election as a contest of brothers and sisters adding that the essence of the sighing of the peace accord is to instill peace and spirit of sportsmanship in the county’s polity .
Amupitan stated this yesterday during a peace accord signing ceremony for all the 16 political parties in the contest, their candidates and state chairmen.
The INEC chairman who was at the ceremony, during his remarks expressed happiness at the peace accord signing initiative.
He said: “As INEC chairman, I’m proud to be part of this peace accord signing for Anambra 2025 off cycle election. I was appointed recently and this is going to be my first assignment and I’m committed to ensure that this election is fair, credible and free. As much as we are committed to peace, we can only succeed if we have corresponding support from all the stakeholders.
“After witnessing the national peace accord signing five years ago, we decided to devolve it to involve not just the presidential election but states.
This was because of the violence that had followed some elections in the past. We have had this several times and this is the second time it is happening here in Anambra. Parties have always honored the accord and we have always had peaceful election.
“Today we gather just days to the election and as an election body I want to assure that INEC is ready to deliver global best practices.
It is not the signatures on this papers that bring peace, it is the commitment of those involved. So as you append your signature to this, ensure that the message is cascaded to all your supporters.
“By signing the peace accord, you are not only agreeing to this but showing that democracy can only thrive where peace prevails. Let us work together to ensure that the coming election is remembered for peace. Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria and this election will be significant to other elections that are coming up.”
He urged voters to expect significant improvement in election day logistics, saying the election will be an improvement in every area. He said a total of 2.8million voters will decide the winner of the election, and that the commission ensured full participation by extending the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) until Sunday.
He assured that his mandate is to deliver credible election and that any individual trying to subvert the will of the people will be met with stiff resistance.
The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun who was represented at the signing ceremony by DIG Benjamin Okolo assured that the police will ensure maximum security during the election. He warned separatist elements; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their armed group, Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying any attempt to disrupt the election would be resisted.
He said: “This address is to show that police is committed and ready to present a free, fair, level playing ground to all. Ahead of the forthcoming election we will ensure order. The Nigeria Police Force stands prepared to ensure that the exercise happens under a free fair and credible atmosphere.
“We will be civil, yet firm and any attempt to undermine public peace will be met with stiff resistance. We remain alert, and we warn the proscribed IPOB and ESN that the peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.”
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who spoke on behalf of the candidates assured that all the parties and their candidates would adhere to the peace accord, reiterating that Anambra has a history of fighting dirty during election, but would always meet at weekend to wine and dine together.
He said: “The candidates are all my friends. The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday and by Sunday we will all go for thanksgiving. It is the Anambra way. When we fight, we fight as if there is no tomorrow but after that we get back and begin to dine and wine together.
“I thank the Kukah centre for initiating this. This is my second time I’m participating in this, and reading through the wordings, it is quite important to our democratic process and we hope that we internalize all the wordings.
“To my colleagues, what we signed today is something we should go home with and give to our campaign partners. What we have signed today is a secret oath. As we go home let us try to domesticate the oath we have taken.
“We will cooperate with the INEC to ensure that this is the best election ever in terms of transparency, due process integrity and all.
“To the police I say, we have 5,720 polling units. You will secure the state and secure the electoral process.
We are committed to one man one vote.
Let people vote, count the votes and announce the votes. Me and my party the APGA will be happy to abide by this.”
Earlier, the chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abukakar (Rtd.), who was represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai called for peace throughout the period of the process.
Agwai said: “We are gathered here above all rising ambition and party interests, but for the security, dignity of Anambra people. Democracy can only thrive where there is restrain and where life is held sacred. Anambra is a special place in our country, rich in heritage and innovation.
“As an example of maturity, today’s commitment is not in words only but in discipline and actions. To our respected traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognize your role as custodians of wisdom and unity. Your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities. To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and not reporting that fuel division.
“Let us all remember that democracy is at its best when it is truly reflect the will of the people. It must be expressed freely, peacefully and with dignity. When we honor these principles, we protect not only the value but the peace and stability of our society.”
All 16 candidates of the parties contesting the election and chairmen of their political parties signed the peace accord.
