The Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies have been tasked to set up mechanism to deal with defaulters of campaign rules and electoral misconduct.
Vice chairman Kaduna State Peace Commission Mr. Saleh Momale stated this at a high level engagement meeting with traditional and religious leaders, chairmen of political parties and other relevant stakeholders in Kaduna.
Mr. Saleh Momale who affirmed the readiness of the commission to continue working towards sustainable peace, charged politicians to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections.
“It is pleasing to note that the combine efforts of the government and the Kaduna citizens including the numerous civil society groups and media practitioners have restored the state to the path of sustainable peace and progressive development”,he said.
He explained that the commission and its partners have set up campaign and election monitoring committee comprising representatives of political parties, religious organizations and media among others.
In her speech, the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel-UNOWAS, Madam Giovanie Biha lamented that electoral violence has continued to undermine electoral processes, hence the need for all stakeholders to play active role in ensuring a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Madam Giovanie Biha urged for sustained political engagements to promote social cohesion and by resolving electoral dispute amicably through out the electioneering period.
In an interview with newsmen, pastor of Throne Room Trust Ministry Kafanchan, Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure called on the political class to avoid politics of money, religious and tribal sentiments and base their campaigns on topical issues.
He said all stakeholders must join hands to ease the political tension currently experienced through robust engagements geared towards peaceful elections and beyond.
“The press has to play it’s role through continues enlightenment.we must puncture the argument of those who are hitting up the polity with all kinds of poisonous ideas that they are sending out to the society where fear is preached preached”,he said
The clergyman decried the desperate nature of some politicians who are willing to go to any length to clinch power.
Radio Nigeria reports that the theme of
the event was “Deepening Stakeholder Participation And Amplifying Voices for Peaceful General Elections in Kaduna State”.
Goodwill messages were given by Kaduna State Chapter of JNI and CAN, National Peace Committee, ECOWAS Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
Cover/Teddy Daniel