Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Governorship candidates of all political parties in Taraba state have signed a peace accord committing themselves to a peaceful campaign for the 2023 general election.
All the candidates and the state chairman of their parties signed the accord organized by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with Taraba Independent Peace Committee in Jalingo on Monday.
Some of the candidates that signed the accord were Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Joel Ikenya of the Labour Party, and Prof. Sani Yahaya of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other parties’ candidates which were all represented by their deputy governor.
This according to the committee is the 1st Taraba State Peace Accord signing ceremony with the Governorship candidates in Taraba State with the theme: Deepening Stakeholders Participation and Amplifying Voices of Citizens for a Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Taraba State.
The committee aimed at identifying issues capable of disrupting peaceful elections in the state and factoring ways of preventing such possible occurrence before going into the poll.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Taraba Independent Peace Committee Prof. Talla Ngarka said all candidates must ensure civil and decent campaigns.
“I call on politicians to address issues that are fundamental to Nigerians. We want to promote respect and tolerance of difference. We want to ensure that there is civility and decency in public discourse,” he said.
“Therefore, on behalf of Tarabans, I am appealing to all political parties, party chairmen, candidates and their spokespersons, please, a campaign based on issues that are of significant concern to Nigerians”.
The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Muslim Council represented by their Vice President warn clergymen not to make inciting statements, that can blow up the country.
Other dignitaries present at the signing of the peace accord are the Commissioner of Police, Head of DSS, Commandant of Cuvil defense, state INEC chairman, traditional rulers, and others.