LIVE UPDATES: Anambra Governorship Election Candidates Unite to Sign Peace Accord in Awka
All is now set for all the candidates of the Anambra governorship election to sign a peace accord ahead of the Saturday, November 6 election.
The peace accord will take place at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, the Anambra state capital.
The initiative is the brainchild of the National Peace Committee headed by former Nigerian Military President, General Abdusalami Abubakar (Rtd)
A Legit.ng reporter at the venue reports that all candidates in the election, members of the peace committee and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials are expected at the event.
Stay tuned for Legit.ng's live updates of the event.
Candidates, others take group picture
The candidates, Gen Abubakar, Fr. Kukah and DIG Egbunike take a group picture and programme comes to an end.
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INEC chairman, others sign the document
The INEC chairman and Gen Abubakar sign the peace document.
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YPP candidate, Ifeanyi Ubah signing the document
The candidate of the YPP, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah signs the document.
PDP candidate, Valentine Ozigbo signs the document
The candidate of the PDP, Valentine Ozigbo signs the document.
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Prof Soludo of APGA signing the document
It's the turn of Prof Soludo of APGA to sign the document.
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APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba signing the document
APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba signing the document.
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Signing of the peace document about to commence
Signing of the peace document about to commence. First to sign is Godwin Maduka of the Accord Party. Each candidate is expected to sign the document with his or her party chairman.
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Chairman of CAN in Anambra
The chairman of CAN in Anambra, Venerable Nweke now speaking:
Anambra state is a peace-loving state and the cradle of Christianity in Nigeria. The peace committee is in line with the preaching of churches in Anambra state.
Our own goodwill message is that peace has no alternative. Let all the candidates embrace peace so we don't end up in pieces.
IGP speaks
IG of Police represented by DIG Joseph Obiajulu Egbunike now speaking:
I am an indigenes of Anambra. I am the DIG supervising the southeast. Anambra state, since I was born, is a state that is known for peace. People who are very industrious and professionals. It will be a surprise if we fall back in this hour of need.
One thing I can assure you is that all security agencies will remain calm firm and professional.
We will ensure that nobody will disturb your peace.
I am asking for Ndi Anambra to rise up to the occasion. We are all stakeholders in this business. Follow the rules and you're safe. As far as I am concerned, Anambra is safe.
History bestows on you do the right thing. We have spoken enough. Everybody will have a level playing ground if they follow the rules of INEC.
INEC chairman now speaks
INEC chairman now speaking. His words:
The nation is fortunate to have leaders like General Abubakar, who is committed to peace and credible elections.
We believe that Anambra cannot be different from Edo and Ondo. We are confident that just like Edo and Ondo, the outcome will be a reflection of the people's will.
We appeal to the candidates to commit themselves to the peace accord. Those who sign the peace accord should abide by its spirit and letter.
Gen Abubakar's welcome remarks
General Abubakar giving the welcome remarks:
Almost every election in Nigeria is accompanied by violence.
We, the members of the National Peace Committee support a peaceful Electoral process. We cherish Anambra state. We cherish the peace of Nigeria.
The signing of the peace accord is not a mere exercise. It is indeed a clarion call for all the candidates, political parties, and all Anambraians to commit themselves to a peaceful process
I have been assured by the INEC chairman to ensure that the process will be free and fair.
All of us have the responsibility to deepens the culture of electoral integrity in the country.
The national anthem: programme begins
The National Anthem is taken signaling the commencement of the programme. The second stanza of the Nigerian Anthem is taken as the National Prayer.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps arrive
Members of the Diplomatic Corps arrive.
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APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba arrives
APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba arrives.
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INEC chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu arrives
INEC chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu arrives.
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General Abubakar, Rev Fr. Kukah others arrive
The members of the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Rev Fr. Kukah have arrived.
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ZLP candidate, Obiora Okonkwo arrives
The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Obiora Okonkwo, has also arrived.
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CAN members arrive
Senior members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) arrive.
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Soludo arrives
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, arrives.
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Registration begins
Registration of participants, CSO officials, Media personnel, political parties chieftains begins.
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Jerrywright Ukwu Jerrywright Ukwu is an Abuja-based senior political/defence correspondent. He is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He spends his leisure-time reading history books. He can be reached via email at jerrywright39@yahoo.com.
Nurudeen Lawal (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) Nurudeen Lawal is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years. He received his B/Arts degree in Literature-in-English from OAU. Lawal is the Head of the Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng, where he applies his expertise to provide incisive coverage of events. He was named the Political Desk Head of the Year (Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award 2023). He is also a certified fact-checker (Dubawa fellowship, 2020). Contact him at lawal.nurudeen@corp.legit.ng or +2347057737768.
