KADSIECOM leads political parties to sign peace pact on LG elections
Pact
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), May 11, 2018 (NAN) The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) on Friday led political parties and political stakeholders in Zaria Local Government Area to sign a pact toward peaceful council elections in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony drew participants from various political parties, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking at the signing of the pact, the Administrator, Zaria Local Government, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar-Yero, said the essence was to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.
“We invited you here to sign a peace pact so that collectively, we can peacefully conduct ourselves toward peaceful and successful elections,’’ he said.
In his speech, the KADSIECOM Electoral Officer, Zaria, Malam Ibrahim Usman-Birnin-Gwari, said the mission of the commission was to conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable local government elections.
He said that the commission had made public demonstration of the use of newly introduced electronic voting machines in all political wards across the state.
According to him, the essence of signing an undertaking is to facilitate successful and peaceful elections, hence the invitation of all participating political parties.
“We are here with undertaking forms for all candidates to sign not for anything but for peace. You are, therefore, expected to be leaders of peace to your followers.
“Be informed that KADSIECOM is going to give each party equal treatment without fair or favour to anyone,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of other Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), CSP Abdullahi Zubairu, DPO, Dakace, assured all that adequate security arrangements had been made toward the success of the elections.
“Each polling unit will be manned by two policemen. Therefore, as leaders and candidates, bear in mind that you are brothers to each other; you should, therefore, respect each other.
“Election is not a do or die affair and you should remember that in every election, there must be a winner and a loser and those who lose today may win tomorrow,” he advised.
He urged the political parties to caution their supporters against any form of violence, saying that the success of the elections lies in their hands.
“The success of these elections of course lies in your hands; if you so wish, it will be peaceful. However, security agencies are fully prepared to maintain law and order.’’
Commenting on the pact, the APC Chairman, Zaria Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Haske, said that his party was 100 per cent ready to give authorities support to ensure total success of the elections.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and series of enlightenment by KADSIECOM toward credible and successful elections.
NAN reports that 16 candidates from different political parties signed the peace pact. (NAN)
KLM/GOM/NKO
===========
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Nkechi Okoronkwo