By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
Ahead of the 2023 elections in Nigeria, political parties in Niger State have signed a peace accord, promising to allow for free and fair elections.
The event held at the Police Officers’ mess in Minna, Niger State had in attendance representatives of some political parties, heads of security agencies, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the INEC in the state, religious and traditional rulers as well as representatives from the Human Rights Commission.
According to a statement issued by the Niger State Police Command, the event signifies the commitment of the contestants to abide by the country’s constitution before and during the elections.
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer DSP Wasiu Abiodun said that the signing of the peace accord was presided over by the Police Command’s Legal Officer SP Jude Akaeze.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundele Ayodeji warned the contestants to desist from inciting unrest through their utterances and especially, through the use of social media.
“The exercise aims to remind all political stakeholders that their utterances, activities, and movements must be subject of compliance to the law.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and their respective Party Constitutions must be respected and honored. “as we sign this peace accord, we hope and believe that we will all abide by it, as we look forward to a peaceful electioneering process,” the statement said.
He admonished political parties, contestants, and their followers to refrain from provocative speeches and the circulation of wrong information or misinformation through social media, which is tantamount to hate speeches.
The Commissioner also tasked community members to play their roles in ensuring peaceful elections in the state.
He further reiterated the command’s readiness to work with all relevant agencies to ensure the success of the 2023 general elections in Niger State.
