As part of efforts making the governorship election in Ondo state a peaceful one, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC , in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, has successfully organized a peace accord with the candidates of all political parties on Friday at the International Event Centre DOME In Akure, the state capital.
General Abdusallam Abubakar , former Head Of State and head of National Peace Committee,who spoke at the event, urged the party leaders to accept the out come of the election as long as it is free and fair for the purpose of peace..
He as well urged the police to keep maintaining the peace in the state
He urged all to be resilient in all things mostly that the election is few days away.
He said people should not sell their votes warning the actors to desist from not allowing people to exercise their franchise mostly vote buying.
He said intimidation and violence should not be allowed
“It is the duty of all to allow peace reign in the country”
In his good will message, the Honourable Chairman of INEC,Prof Mamood Yakubu , said that the off – circle election in Ondo state, will be the second since 2020,
He said that role of all stakeholders so far will make the election peaceful saying he has been engaging all necessary issues with the transport workers and security agencies to ensure free fair credible election.
He said he will not be tired of talking to the political class to continue making the exercise a huge success and peaceful.
Critical stakeholder, the Inspector General of Police, represented by the DIG , force ,CID Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, emphasized that , the Police will deploy available resources across all areas of the state , saying over 36,000 thousand will be deployed to the 3,933 poliing units.
He said that with the help of other sister security agencies, not less than 41,000 personnel will compliment the police from Customs, Civil Defense, immigration and others.
He said there will be provision of officers to protect election materials to various destinations and INEC personnel.
He said the duty of the police before, during and after the election will not be over emphasized.
Said further that at least 5, police men will mount each polling units to avert any emergencies or threat..
All election violators will be prosecuted accordingly and that canvassing for vote , buying of vote, or related act , will not be tolerated.
Assessing pre election activities YIAGA Africa said vote buying has turned to be the order of the day mostly from Akure South, Ese Odo, Irele Ondo East, Ose, Owo and the entire Akoko land
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Sokoto Martin Kukar ,the convener of the peace accord led the signing while all the party candidates were called to sign the peace pact
While giving his speech, the governor,Lucky Aiyedatiwa said that ,all the tenets of peace should be maintained and sustained.
He assured that Ondo state will remain peaceful after the election and urged all to maintain decurum
Meanwhile, the convener , Martin Kukar said that all should protect the oneness of the nation
While a minute silent was observed in honour of the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu
