44 political parties sign peace accord in Borno

Forty-four political parties in Borno state on Thursday signed a peace accord to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections in the state. The accord was signed by representatives of the parties and their candidates under the supervision of the state command of the police. State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Damian Chukwu, said the signing of the accord was critical towards ensuring orderliness and peaceful conduct of the elections,explaining that the accord would be binding on all candidates contesting the elections in the state. He disclosed that the command had recorded cases of violence, thuggery and assaults during the parties’ primaries and electioneering campaigns, adding that petitions before the command were been investigated. Chukwu noted that the command had provided a level playing field to political parties and their candidates in pre-election activities, stressing that same gesture would be extended to the parties and their candidates during the elections. According to him, the command has deployed special detective units to entertain and investigate petitions on acts of violence during and after election, and called on political parties and their candidates to shun acts capable of disenfranchising the electorate, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned. State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Yahaya Imam, said political parties occupy supreme position above their candidates, stressing that candidates must respect the pact signed by the parties. Imam commended the police for the accord, adding that the measure was imperative to ensure the conduct of peaceful elections in the state. Also, Chairman of the state’s chapter, Independent Political Advisory Committee (IPAC), Mr. Mukhtar Abdallah, said political parties had agreed to work together to ensure conduct of peaceful election and enhance peace building process in the state.