Delta 2019: Okowa, Ogboru, 47 other governorship candidates sign peace accord

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has facilitated the signing of peace accord by political parties and their governorship candidates in Delta State.

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Among the political parties that entered into the peace agreement is the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, which has Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as its governorship candidate and the main opposition party in the state, All Progressives Congress, APC which has Chief Great Ogboru as its candidate among 47 others.

The Acting Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, Mr Felix Enabor, who briefed newsmen said the peace accord, signed by chairmen of political parties and their governorship candidates, was meant to ensure that the forthcoming elections were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

He assured all contestants of the commission’s neutrality before, during and after the elections.

“Our goal is to deliver free , fair , credible and conclusive elections . But the enabling environment must be given to the commission to do its work properly and serve you well ,” he said .

Enabor disclosed that 49 political parties would be participating in the governorship election in the state .

He also disclosed that 2 ,823 ,161 voters were registered by the commission in the state , adding that 465 , 317 PVCs had yet to be collected.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Anthony Ogbizi, said the meeting between INEC and political parties was to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections.

He called on political parties to warn their supporters against violence as the police would not hesitate to arrest anyone found instigating violence.

He said, “This meeting is to remind the political parties and their supporters to ensure peaceful and free elections in 2019 because where trouble erupts, we will not hesitate to advise INEC to cancel or postpone election in that area.

“As a command, we have prepared to provide adequate security during and after the elections. It is to tell you that election is not a do -or – die affair. Please cooperate with us and call your supporters to order.”

Also the state coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, Mr Ayodele Benjamin, reminded politicians that corps members who would participate in the elections were their children that should be protected .

“You are aware that NYSC is a major stakeholder in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. Therefore, I appeal to the parents and politicians to remember that these corps members are your people . We don’ t want to receive corpses after the elections, ” he said .