Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has assured on behalf of the candidates of the Anambra governorship election that all the parties and their candidates would adhere to the peace accord.
Soludo who spoke in his capacity as governor and representative of all the candidates during a peace deal signed by all 16 candidates, reiterated that Anambra has a history of fighting dirty during election, but would always meet at weekend to wine and dine together.
He said: “The candidates are all my friends. The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday and by Sunday we will all go for thanksgiving. It is the Anambra way. When we fight, we fight as if there is no tomorrow but after that we get back and begin to dine and wine together.
“I thank the Kukah centre for initiating this. This is my second time I’m participating in this, and reading through the wordings, it is quite important to our democratic process and we hope that we internalize all the wordings.
“To my colleagues, what we signed today is something we should go home with and give to our campaign partners. What we have signed today is a secret oath. As we go home, let us try to domesticate the oath we have taken.
“We will cooperate with the INEC to ensure that this is the best election ever in terms of transparency, due process integrity and all.
“To the police I say, we have 5,720 polling units. You will secure the state and secure the electoral process.
We are committed to one man one vote. Let people vote, count the votes and announce the votes. Me and my party the APGA will be happy to abide by this.”
Earlier, the chairman of the National Peace Committee, NPC, Gen Abdulsalami Abukakar (Rtd.), who was represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai called for peace throughout the period of the process.
Agwai said: “We are gathered here above all rising ambition and party interests, but for the security, dignity of Anambra people. Democracy can only thrive where there is restrain and where life is held sacred. Anambra is a special place in our country, rich in heritage and innovation.
“As an example of maturity, today’s commitment is not in words only but in discipline and actions. To our respected traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognize your role as custodians of wisdom and unity. Your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities. To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and not reporting that fuel division.
“Let us all remember that democracy is at its best when it truly reflects the will of the people. It must be expressed freely, peacefully and with dignity. When we honor these principles, we protect not only the value but the peace and stability of our society.”
All 16 candidates of the parties contesting the election and chairmen of their political parties signed the peace accord.
