Political parties involved in the Edo State governorship election have signed another peace agreement.
Among those who signed the agreement are the APC candidate, OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU and the State Chairman of the party signed, as well as Governor GODWIN OBASEKI and State Chairman of the PDP.
The latest agreement was made possible by the National Peace Committee, and it comes after similar commitments at the instance of the Oba of Benin and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC
Former Military Head of State, General ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR, who is one of the leaders of the National Peace Committee, said the Edo State election on Saturday cannot hold unless there was peace in the state.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, was represented by one of his cabinet members, who thanked the National Peace Committee for its efforts to ensure peace during the election in Edo State.
In his remarks, GODWIN OBASEKI, called on the National Peace Committee to go beyond just making the candidates to sign peace agreement for the election on Saturday.
Governor OBASEKI wants the NPC to also reach out to other political actors with the capacity to influence the conduct of the election, adding that he had a huge responsibility to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
On his part; the APC candidate, OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU, promised that himself and his party will play by the rules and ensure that the election in peaceful.
The highpoint of the NPC Peace Accord ceremony in Benin City was a moment of handshake and hugging between Governor OBASEKI and OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU.
Meanwhile; the Inspector General of Police, MOHAMMED ADAMU, has pledged the commitment of the police to professional and peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on Saturday.
In a message to the Peace Accord signing ceremony in Benin City, I.G.P. ADAMU assured that the police would be fair and firm in the discharge of its duties during the election this weekend.
He also charged leaders of the various political parties to take responsibility and be ready to give account for their actions during the election.
The I.G.P. was represented at the event by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Research and Planning, ADELEYE OYEBADE.