By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna.
The Deputy Special Representative
of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel,
Ms.Giovanie Biha, said the ECOWAS is committed towards ensuring Peaceful polls
in the region especially Nigerian elections come 20233.
She made this remark at a
Stakeholders' Forum in Kaduna State, "As you may recall, during the 2019
general elections, the UN and the NPC had partnered with the Kaduna State Peace
Commission to organize a similar event which according to many participants
positively contributed to the electoral process.
"It is an opportunity for
us to amplify our commitment to peace and agree on more practical ways of
addressing threats that may undermine a peaceful electoral process in Kaduna
State.
"In this regard, it is
important to highlight that in collaboration with the NPC, similar events will
be organized in all six geopolitical zones.
While elections are critical
for democratic consolidation, they have unfortunately become flashpoints and are
often associated with violence in several parts of our region due to increased
competition and diverse interests involved.
The ECOWAS Representative added,
"Electoral violence continues to undermine inclusive electoral processes,
especially with regards to women’s participation as well as the respect for
human rights and the rule of law.
"Our presence here today
is largely due to the lessons learned from the event and recommendations from
key actors in the State working on the electoral process.
As a result, there is an
increased demand on us to be more proactive in identifying threats to peaceful
electoral processes and employ adequate solutions or mitigating measures.
This explains why the
importance of such events cannot be overemphasized.
Meanwhile, in many situations,
we continue to witness how disagreements and latent conflicts between
communities are instrumentalized during electoral processes which often leads
to violence and ultimately to the loss of life and property.
This explains why we must
sustain our engagements in Kaduna State to promote social cohesion and enhance
the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, especially during this
electoral period.
"I am mindful that the
Kaduna State Peace Commission and other stakeholders are already engaged in this
regard." I would like to pledge the continued support of the UN.
Ms. Giovanie Biha, further explains
that "it is important for us to collectively support and preach a message
of peace in Kaduna State while denouncing divisive and hate speech during these
elections.
"We are called upon to
leverage our respective roles to amplify voices of peace agents such as
traditional, religious, and other community leaders, including women’s rights
activists.
She maintained, "It is
important for us to maximize the presence of very active civil society organizations,
including women and youth groups, in Kaduna State to disseminate messages
promoting peaceful and inclusive elections right down to the 23 Local
Government Areas in this State.
Adding that "Given that
Kaduna State is unfortunately not spared by some of the challenges facing the
country, it is incumbent on us to close ranks and prioritize all engagements
that would promote peace, security, and development of this State before,
during and after the elections.
She explains "In our
engagements with Federal authorities, we have repeatedly underscored the
leadership role of Nigeria in the West African region and the positive message
peaceful and inclusive elections in Nigeria will send to the region and the rest
of the continent.
"But we also know that
peaceful elections in Nigeria start with peaceful elections in the Local
Government Areas and the States. That is why our engagements and support to state-level
interventions must be sustained.
"In conclusion, we are
confident that stakeholders in Kaduna State will once again rise to the
occasion and deliver peaceful 2023 general elections which is crucial for
sustainable peace, security, and development of this State.
This will be a good example for
other states to follow and reinforces Kaduna State’s position as the Centre of
Learning in this country.
"I would like to make a
fervent appeal for every stakeholder to support the efforts of INEC and other
relevant national institutions to ensure the elections in this State and in the
country are peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive.
Earlier in his welcome address
the Executive Vice Chairman of Kaduna State Peace Commission, Dr. Saleh Momale
said the commission’s desire to have Peaceful campaigns and elections in Kaduna
State is reinforced here with the presence of stakeholders at international,
national, state, and local government level.
The Commission and its partners
have set -up a campaign and election monitoring committee comprising
representatives of Political parties, religious organizations, Media, Civil
Society groups, and security agencies to provide advisory and caution to candidates
and parties that engages non- peaceful actions.
"Again, arrangements are ongoing
to convene a meeting of all candidates and Political parties in the state to
sign a commitment to peaceful conduct scheduled for 15 December 2022.
The commission vice Chairman
explain further "With support from the Ministry of internal Security and
home affairs, the commission and its partners are engaging with diverse youth
groups to prevent all forms of violence and disturbance of Public peace during
campaigns.