THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for stakeholders in the forthcoming general elections to imbibe the principle of fairness, diversity and objectivity in the electoral process.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, stated this at a public function on Wednesday, at the opening ceremony of the High-Level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on peaceful and violence free general elections in Nigeria at the International Centre for Culture and Events, Akure.

She tasked the stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible polls, promising that the UNDP would continue to support government and people of Nigeria in promoting good governance and peace.

Ndiaye reminded Nigerians that promoting peaceful election and inclusive societies remained one of the sustainable development goals and access to justice for all, building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

She expressed optimism that the investment toward promotion of good governance and peaceful co-habitation in Nigeria would help government and the people to live in harmony.

He, however, stressed the need for elections to be conducted in accordance with the best practices.

“A free, fair and credible election will promote peaceful co-existence, help build strong institutions and foster sustainable development.

“We seek to ensure that everyone is equipped with the knowledge and awareness levels required to promote peace and stability, more importantly, to activate and deepen culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence,’’ she said.

Declaring the workshop open, the The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), called on all stakeholders to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

Akeredolu, who was represented by his Deputy, Agboola Ajayi, also urged Nigerians to vote for credible candidates and embrace peace during the electioneering process.

His Osun counterpart, Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola was represented by Dr Olalekan Yinusa, the Supervisor in charge of the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Development at the occasion.

The governor urged the stakeholders to kick against political process that had persistently hobbled the nation’s development.

He said for the summit to achieve its purpose and the nation to continue to witness peace and development, all the critical stakeholders must play the game of politics according to the rules.

The governor identified the critical stakeholders to include; politicians, political parties, INEC, the media and security agencies and the electorate.

Contributing, Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo state, warned various unions, especially the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), against any form of violence ahead of the general elections.

He was represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Alani.

On the plans by security agencies to curb violence during the general elections, Adeyanju said they had jointly strategy to ensure peacfeful polls in the state.

He, however, said that the police would not be an instrument of intimidation against the citizens or groups, but would carry out their responsibility by ensuring safety of lives and property.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye  Ogunwusi, commended the UNDP for organising the workshop and urged the people, especially voters, to ensure peaceful election.

The Ooni was represented by the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi.

Ogunwusi stressed the imperative of peaceful election, done in an atmosphere of peace, stability and in the spirit of sportsmanship by the contestants, their teeming supporters and the civil populace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Christian and Islam bodies, JNI, NCWS, NOA, INEC and the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning delivered goodwill messages at the occasion. (NAN)

– Feb. 6, 2019 @ 17:12 GMT |