European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, has asked candidates participating in the 2023 general elections to allow peace reign after the exercise..
Isopi, while addressing gathering at the signing of a fresh peace accord by the 18 presidential candidates seeking election in the Saturday poll, said the EU would provide the needed support to ensure that peace reigns.
At the event were President Muhammadu Buhari, former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon, AbdulSalami Abubakar, former South African President Thabo Mbeki and others.
Isopi said “We urge all stakeholders to support you in fulfilling these objectives, even the cabinets and political leaders have a vital role to play and responsibility in placing the peace and unity of Nigeria above all other interests.
She called “on all parties and candidates to accept the results of the elections that we hope and certain will be credible and inclusive.”
She added, “We encourage them to use the appropriate legal means to seek redress and to contribute to a peaceful transition, everyone has a role to play in lending full support and respecting the fundamental and independent role of INEC.”
She challenged security forces over what she called their “responsibility in remaining neutral and guaranteeing safety of all voters including women, people with disabilities (PWD).”
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“We all strongly support media freedom and it’s important to be responsible with their coverage. We encourage the judiciary to become and impartial arbiter by ensuring fair and justifications of electoral matters.”
She added, “I wish to commend the role of the National Peace Committee and the leadership of His Excellency, Former Head of States, Abdulsalami Abubakar since his inauguration. We are honored and proud of our partnership.”