The United Nations-UN has called on stakeholders to play active role in ensuring a peaceful and inclusive electoral process before, during and after next year’s general elections in Nigeria.
United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel-UNOWAS, Madam Giovanie Biha made the call at a high-level engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and chairmen of political parties organised by Kaduna State Peace Commission, held in Kaduna.
Madam Giovanie Biha explained that electoral violence has continued to undermine electoral processes especially with regards to women participation as well as respect for human rights and rule of law.
She advocated for sustained engagements to promote social cohesion and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms especially during the electoral period.
Madam Biha pledged the continued support of the UN in ensuring a peaceful electoral process devoid of rancour and hate speeches.
Also speaking, Governor Nasiru El Rufa’i of Kaduna State explained that the State Government would continue to partner with federal security agencies ahead of next year’s polls.
Represented by the Commissioner of Internal Security and home affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Governor assured of the State Government’s commitment to supporting all peace efforts towards the protection of lives and property of citizens of the State.
Also speaking, Chairman of the State Council of traditional rulers and Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli expressed the readiness of the royal fathers towards providing an enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of elections in their domains.
In a remark, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Peace Commission, Mr Saleh Momale noted that the combined efforts of government, citizens, civil society groups and the media have restored the State to the path of sustainable peace and progressive development.
He disclosed that the commission and its partners have set-up campaign and election monitoring committee to provide advisory and caution candidates and parties that engages non-peaceful actions.
There were goodwill messages from Kaduna State Chapter of CAN and JNI, National Peace Committee, ECOWAS Commission among others.
The theme for the event is “Deepening Stakeholder Participation And Amplifying Voices for Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Kaduna State”
USMAN SANI