A total number of fifty (50) governorship candidates signed peace accord in an event organised by International Republican Institute (IRI) in Sokoto on Wednesday.
The important event was jointly organised in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and USAID, which is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the politicians before, during and after the election.
While speaking at the venue, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, commended the initiators and underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence for the overall development of the nation.
He advised other politicians against breeding restiveness in all forms noting that some bad elements could use armed youths for other crimes in the state.
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He also noted that three days ago, armed bandits attacked some communities in the state where a total number of 26 persons were killed, adding that such a barbaric act should be discouraged in all forms.
” If we encouraged youths to attacked innocent people, business environments, the society will be angered.
” I urged fellow contestants and other politicians not use vulgar and inciting languages, not to consider election as a do-or-die affair.
“The election is a process which has different stages and leadership is a destiny which Allah has destined to individuals he wishes.
He, however, commended security agencies on their distinctive roles in safeguarding peoples lives and properties.
The Governor also commended the stakeholders for the initiative and called on participating agencies and persons to respect the peace accord.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Bishop Mathew Kukah, said the initiative was in line with best practice aimed at sustaining peaceful existence in the country.
Kukah said the peace accord initiative was to discovered violence in all forms and ways to facilitate credible election and good leadership that is beneficial to citizens.
The Sokoto state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Musa Abubakar, also commended stakeholders on their cooperation and hoped to be actualised for the overall progress of the nation.
The fifty Gubernatorial candidates include three women who are the flagbearer of National Conscience Party, NCP, Peoples Progressive Alliance, PPA and KOWA Party with their names as Luba Muhammad, Salamatu Isa and Aliya Kebbe respectively.