United Nations commends signing of national peace accord by political parties in Nigeria ahead of poll

The United Nations (UN) has commended the signing of the Second National Peace Accord for peaceful elections in Nigeria under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC), ahead of the general elections in Nigeria.

Penpushing reports that a statement by  National Information Officer, United Nations(UN) Information Centre (UNIC), Dr Seyi Soremekun said the commendation came from the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer in Charge of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Giovanie Biha,

The  Deputy Special Representative appealed to all candidates and their supporters to respect the terms of the Peace Accord with due respect for the rule of law, reiterating  the importance of peaceful elections to Nigeria, the region and the continent while highlighting the centrality of peaceful elections to peace, stability and development of Nigeria

Penpushing further reports that she reassured of the United Nations (UN)  support to the people of Nigeria and expressed the hope that the elections of Saturday 25 February would further deepen democratic consolidation in Nigeria and the African region.

The Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, charged the contestants and their political parties to respect the choice of voters and accept the result of the elections as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the agency empowered by law to do so.

Penpushing also reports that Buhari reminded Nigerians that they had no other country outside Nigeria, and urged them to do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful.

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, restated the readiness of the commission to conducting the elections as scheduled, and equally reassured Nigerians of a transparent exercise.

Penpushing reports that Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his welcome address, explained that the committee had been monitoring compliance with the first national accord by the politicians, and noting that the committee noted that  some of the infractions recorded were a thing of concern.

The former Military ruler said, there was a lack of compliance by the major political parties. 44% of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26% by party members; 19% by the presidential candidates themselves; 11% by hardcore supporters and 4% by chairmen of the parties.

Penpushing further reports that in her remarks, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, urged Nigeria to lead by example and send a strong message to the world about consolidating democracy, and  called on all candidates to accept the results of the elections and seek legal redress when dissatisfied.

 Penpushing also reports that under the Peace Accord, the 18 Presidential candidates and the Chairmen of their respective parties renewed their commitment to peaceful, transparent and credible election, and s reaffirmed their commitment to fully abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the rules and regulations as laid down in the Electoral Act 2022; and to adhere to best international standards, and best practices of our democratic processes.

“I am determined to place national interest above personal and partisan concerns, hereby commit myself to accept and abide by the outcome of the 2023 Presidential elections, and if issues should arise, I will deploy constitutional means and appeal to the courts rather than unconstitutional means’, the Presidential candidates reaffirmed.

Penpushing reports that in attendance were the United Nations(UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide,  Alice Wairimu Nderitu; (United Nations(UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale; Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, and former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, who leads the Commonwealth Election Observer Group to Nigeria.

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