“Whatever happens, democracy is better than Dictatorship” – Bishop Kukah
Candidates and political parties on Wednesday in Lokoja joined other stakeholders in the signing of Peace Accord towards ensuring a violence free and fair election.
The peace accord was signed in Lokoja in a ceremony organized by Kukah centre funded by the European Union.
Convener of the centre, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah who was represented by Bishop Attah Barkindo said election is not a do or die affair, urging politicians to conduct themselves orderly for smooth electioneering process.
Bishop Kukah appreciated the people of Kogi State for their resilience and believe in democracy adding that, violence should always be discouraged during election.
“Whatever happens, democracy is better than dictatorship. I want to appreciate all the political parties that are present here. We where afraid that no body will honour this peace accord.
“The reason is that people have lost trust and they are in despair. There is despondency across the land. People don’t trust institutions. You have come out and supported us for this great course.
“We are highly grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), security agencies for all the support and partnership we have received over the years”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cardinal John Onayekan emphasised the need for peaceful election as no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of chaos in insecurities.
Onayaken who said he was standing in for the Chairman of the Peace Accord Committee, Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalam said, “This exercise should be take in all honesty and serious commitment by all candidates to ensure a peaceful election and peaceful coexistence even after the election might have be concluded”.
Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi lauded the Kukah centre for their service to humanity.
Governor Bello said his administration has the interest in securing all citizens of Kogi State stressing that, the platform will help in assisting the State in maintaining peace and fighting insecurities.
The Kogi State Chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Ambassador Usman Bello emphasized the need for political gladiators to maintain peace
He commended the Kukah centre for leading the crusade for a free and fair election, just as he admonished all the Governorship Candidate to toll the line of peace and not violence.
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