AS the 2019 general election approaches, nine top gubernatorial candidates in Plateau State have signed peace path towards peaceful election while Governor Simon Lalong tasked political to refrain from an act that might derail the processes of the election.
In his goodwill message at the interactive session organised by the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Center in Plateau State on Thursday, Governor Lalong who is a gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party enjoined politicians to be tolerant and accommodate one another and desist from any act or speech that might cause disunity among the people.
“In spite of what the state had passed through, we should be tolerant and be accommodating in our dealings towards one another and deemphasise the use of religion for election. And above all demonstrate love towards each other, whoever win the election should be embraced by all because it will be a victory for Plateau not an individual.
” We should also avoid hate speech and fake news. On our part, we have restore peace to Plateau that is why we have many contesting for the governorship seat. Unlike the 2015 where the race was just between me and the candidate of PDP, the late Senator Gyang Pwajok. My administration has create an enabling atmosphere for democracy to strive,” he said.
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In his welcome address, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama reminded the candidates and party leaders in attendance that they were seeking to be elected not for their personal gain but for the good people of Plateau State and enjoined them to put Plateau State and its citizens first in all they do and say during the period of campaigns and election.
“Needless to say that Plateau citizens have suffered so much losses and grievous pain because of needless conflicts and the act of criminality. Let us discourage our youths from violence or engaging in unbecoming conduct under the false pretext of campaigning for politicians or defending their interests,” he said.
In his address, the Chairman Plateau State Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba advised the candidates and their parties to take desperation out of politics adding that attempting to win at all cost could breed violence while whoever win the governorship election must be respected.
According to him, the contestants should appreciate what Plateau State had passed through and avoid any act that could cause a breach of peace and enjoined both the security agencies and INEC to ensure that the rules of the game were strictly adhere to.
At the end of the interactive session, nine gubernatorial candidates in attendance and parties chairmen of their political parties signed peace path.
and then