Governorship candidates in Abia, including Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, on Monday signed a peace accord to ensure a violence-free general elections in the state.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governorship candidates included Ikpeazu (PDP), Uche Ogah (APC) and Dr. Alex Otti (APGA), Dr. Blessing Nwagba (SDP), Mr Fortus Okoronkwo (PPC) and Mr Kelenna Ogbonna (ADC).
The event, which took place in Umuahia, was organised by Hope Givers Initiative in collaboration with Vision Africa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia.
Mr Sunday Onuoha, President of Vision Africa, said that signing the peace accord would prove the readiness of the canditates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the elections.
Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Joseph Iloh, said that to sustain the prevailing peace in the state before, during and after the polls, required the full cooperation of all the candidates and their supporters.
While speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Eden Okon, said that the command had put necessary measures in place to ensure adequate security during the polls.
Okon, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Godwin Akoh, said, “Nobody should be afraid or feel threatened, because police are ready and prepared to protect Nigerians during the elections.’’
The Executive Director of HGI, Mrs Onyeka Udegbunam, said, “We are here to ensure that candidates and their parties agree to support the conduct of the general elections in a peaceful environment,” Udegbunam said.
Speaking, Ikpeazu said, “It is my desire and sincere wish that no single blood will be spilled during this election.
“I have express faith in the Prof. Yakubu-led INEC and the capacity of our REC to do the needful to ensure that nobody was allowed to do away with the result sheet.’’
Ogah declared that he had the interest of the people of Abia at heart and would continue to contribute to the growth of the state.
“I am a man who stands for peace. We will ensure that the activities of my supporters are governed by peace.”
Otti assured that he would do everything within his power to maintain peace and unity in Abia.
His words, “I call on my fellow candidates that have appended their signature to be honest to execute what we have signed.”
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