The National Peace Committee (NPC) initiated the peace accord, which took place in Jalingo, the state capital, in collaboration with the state-based Independent Peace Committee.
The exercise, which is geared at committing political actors towards ensuring peaceful elections across the state, was observed to have brought together governorship candidates and chairmen of the various political parties in the state.
In a communiqué issued at the gathering, titled, ‘Deepening Stakeholders’ Participation and Amplifying Voices of Citizens for Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Taraba State,’ the political actors were urged to call their supporters to order to avoid running into trouble with security personnel before, during and after the elections.
Urging them not to see election as a do or die affair, NPC said: “Elections should not be a means of violence or molestation, but an avenue for citizens to fairly exercise their civic right.”
Jointly signed by the Chairman, Taraba State Independent Peace Committee, Prof. Talla Ngarka, and the Programme Manager, The Kukah Centre, Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, Emmanuel Nkanta, both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and heads of security chiefs reiterated their commitments to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
The need for political actors, as well as parents and guardians to discourage their supporters and children against acts of violence and hate speech, according to them, would as well assist in halting all forms of election violence.
If political actors and their followers will go extra miles to refrain from insults, intimidations, incitement and bullying, the much-desired hitch-free general elections, would be achieved.
According to the communiqué, other stakeholders, which include: religious leaders, traditional rulers, Secretary to the Government of Taraba State and women groups, also appealed for peace and urged political actors not to see election as a do or die affair.
Some of the candidates, who spoke with The Guardian, applauded the peace committees for deeming it fit to get all political parties committed.
They unanimously agreed to go about canvassing for votes from eligible voters in a manner that would not ignite any form of uprising before, during and after the governorship election slated for next month.
