
Stakeholders and political parties yesterday signed a peace accord ahead of the November 11th governorship election in Kogi State.
The peace accord was signed in Lokoja, the state capital, in a ceremony organized by the Kukah Centre and funded by the European Union (EU).
In his remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, who was represented by Attah Barkindo, said the election is not a do-or-die affair, urging politicians to ensure they conduct themselves for a smooth electioneering process.
Kukah appreciated the people of Kogi State for their resilience and belief in democracy, adding that violence should always be discouraged during elections.
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“We are highly grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for all the support and partnership we have received over the years”.
Also speaking, the Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Didat Ozigi, lauded the Kukah Centre for their service to humanity.
Bello said his administration has an interest in securing all citizens of Kogi State, stressing that the platform will help assist the state in maintaining peace and fighting insecurity.
He admonished Kogi residents to conduct themselves peacefully and ensure that they work within the ambit of the law before, during, and after the election.
The governor further admonished other political parties in the state to ensure that the election is peaceful.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Matthew Kukah, has also accused Governor Yahaya Bello of poor representation of the Nigerian youth.
Kukah crticised the governor over the violence in the state ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
He made this known during an interview on Channels TV Sunrise Daily Programme on Tuesday.
He said, “I feel very sad because Kogi has been on the front burner, and Yahaya Bello, the governor, prided himself with being the youngest governor and being a representation of what the youths of this country can do if they are given the opportunity.
“Sadly, I think he’s been a very poor advertisement for what young people can do.”
Speaking further, Kukah sued for peace between the leadership of the labour unions in the country and the Imo State government, adding that there should be peaceful elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.
His words: “When elections go wrong, it is ordinary people who suffer.
“I hope the labour leaders in Imo will really be more circumspect and ask themselves ‘who stands to gain and who stands to lose what?’ At the end of the day, it is the people of Imo, they are not electing someone who is outside their state.
“Imo is a deeply Christian environment, and I hope their religious leaders and others with moral authority can prevail on the union to defer whatever may be their grievance. This can only be resolved in a peaceful environment.
“We appeal to them to do what is needful and ensure that elections are duly conducted. Our people have suffered enough.”