by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The gubernatorial candidates of the ADC, APC, PRP, SDP, APGA and PDP have signed-up a peace pact in the presence of hundreds of people, who showed up for the town hall meeting jointly hosted by the University of Jos and the Hausa Service of the Voice of America held at the auditorium of the (university’s) Faculty of Social Science.
The candidates assured that, their parties and supporters run “issue-based campaigns, and avoid ethnic, religious and regional incitement,” while assuring that, they would mutually respect each other not to use abusive language or issue false statements, and to avoid violence and election manipulation.
They would also challenge the election verdict only “transparently, legally and peacefully” but to accept the final decision of the appeal process “as the will of the people.”
On his part, the Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, promised to lead his campaign train devoid of crisis and acrimony throughout the state.
A statement to this effect was signed by the Directorate of Media and Publicity for Atiku-Okowa, Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council, Yiljap Abrahim, and made available to Conscience Triumph in Jos during the week.
According to Yiljap Abrahim, he is a “democrat to the core,” and he is a “team player” also, adding that, “I have lost elections before, and I have also won elections, and have been gracious in defeats and magnanimous in victory.
“If there is any infraction on due process, we will use the instrumentality of the law to challenge it,” he said, and assured that they provide the leadership that is required to govern with equity, justice, inclusiveness and giving a voice to the voiceless such as disadvantaged groups – women, children and People Living with Disabilities.
Barr. Caleb assured that, he will exercise political will in handling the reports of the various Commissions of Inquiry and Committees set up by successive administrations.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof Tanko Ishaya, said the candidates were invited to consider partnership with the university as a major centre for solutions delivery in governance projects and services, rather than looking up to foreign nations.
Director, Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, Prof Danny McCain, appealed to the candidates and politicians generally to see Nigeria as the greater picture and, therefore, conduct themselves in the most peaceful manner.
In another development, the squabble between Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, has been resolved.
A peace meeting was held at the burial of the late Tafida of Ebiraland, Dr Abdul Azeez Farooq Umar, with the Paramount Traditional Ruler assuring to accompany and support every step so far taken by the governor, in the interest of the Ebira nation.
He also assured of his support for all the programs and policies of Governor Bello’s administration, and promised to work harmoniously with him, in the interest of Ebira nation.
In responding, Governor Yahaya Bello assured that this will be the last time a rift will ensure between his administration and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
