Jonathan, Buhari renew peace accord

President Goodluck Jonathan and his main challenger, General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday signed another undertaking binding them to a violence free presidential poll holding tomorrow.Jonathan and Buhari together with candidates of nine other political parties, signed a similar agreement tagged “The Abuja Accord” on January 14.However, only the two major […]

President Goodluck Jonathan and his main challenger, General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday signed another undertaking binding them to a violence free presidential poll holding tomorrow.
Jonathan and Buhari together with candidates of nine other political parties, signed a similar agreement tagged “The Abuja Accord” on January 14.
However, only the two major contenders signed the new pact yesterday at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
It was brokered by the National Peace Committee for the elections headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The new accord, titled “Renewal of Our Pledges to Peaceful Elections” was read by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
They pledged to respect the outcome of a free, fair and credible presidential election.
They urged all Nigerians and their supporters to refrain from violence and acts capable of jeopardising their collective vision of a free, fair and credible poll.
They equally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles.
Reiterating their commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria, Jonathan and Buhari urged the citizens to stand together at this “critical phase” of Nigeria’s history.
In the renewed peace accord, they stated: “You may recall that on 14th January 2015, both of us, along with nine other party leaders signed what has now come to be known as The Abuja Accord.
“The substance of that accord was our commitment to free, fair and credible elections in our dear country.
“In the accord, we agreed to, among other things, run an issue-based campaign and pledged that our electoral campaigns will not involve any religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling both by ourselves and all agents acting in our names.
“Now that the campaigns have come to an end, we met today to renew our pledge for peaceful elections. We, therefore, call on all fellow citizens of our dear country and our parties’ supporters to refrain from violence or any acts that may, in any way, jeopardise our collective vision of a free, fair and credible election.
“In addition, we call on the INEC and all security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles. We also pledge to respect the outcome of free, fair and credible elections.
“Today, we again renew our commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria. We want all Nigerians to stand together at this critical phase of our nation’s history. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.”
In his remarks, Gen Abubakar said his committee, set up after the signing of the Abuja Accord, had been continuously working to help political parties and Nigerians to ensure peace and harmony before, during and after the elections.
He said he was happy that both parties and their presidential candidates were committed to free, fair and peaceful elections.
He added that the committee had met with the two candidates and briefed them on the current situation of the country and what they expected of them as stakeholders and as presidential candidates.
A mild drama
Buhari who arrived about 9.30 am went straight to the podium while other dignitaries were at the waiting room.
When Gen Abubakar learnt of his presence he went to the waiting room and moved toward the APC presidential candidate.
The following conversation ensued: Abubakar: Your Excellency, you are to come to the waiting room.
Buhari: Says who? Why should you be pushing me around?
Abubakar: By the power conferred on me as the….
Buhari (cuts in): By who?
But Buhari followed Abubakar to the waiting room and President Jonathan arrived 20 minutes later.
Members of the committee are Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Mathew Hassan Kukah.
Party leaders present at the event were National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) John Oyegun, and his PDP counterpart Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.