By PJ Usanga
The National Peace Committee, led by Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, emphasized the importance of a peaceful Edo governorship election, urging all stakeholders to refrain from violence.
Bishop Kukah made this call on Channels Television’s Edo Election Security Townhall, six days before the off-cycle governorship poll in the Niger Delta State. “Let’s vote to stay alive,” he said, amid concerns that violence could mar the exercise slated for September 21.
The Peace Committee helmsman commended security agents and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who have worked tirelessly to entrench democracy in the country. He noted that some electoral officials and security operatives have lost their lives while in active service, acknowledging the hazards they face.
Bishop Kukah also recalled the tension that gripped many Nigerians in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.
“The Peace Committee, with the help of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, played a crucial role in averting major violence during that period.”
Bishop Kukah who is also the founder of the Nigeria-based policy research institute – The Kukah Foundation, appealed to Nigerians to support security agents and admonished public officials to serve the masses diligently. He emphasized that democracy offers opportunities for peaceful resolution of conflicts and that Nigerians should sign on to a peaceful country and democratic process.
It could be recalled that the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, gathered recently in Auchi, Edo State for their 2024 second plenary assembly.
