In their bids to ensure a non-violent election in the 2023 elections in Oyo state, a non-organization, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with other civil societies in the state has called on stakeholders in the state to preach peace and shun violence.
The call was made during a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Mallam Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), represented by the Manager, Democratic Governance Of CISLAC, Mr. Okeke Anya.
Mr Okeke stated that Oyo State has witnessed issue of violence in Campaigns and Rally (most recently in Igangan and Oyo township); tune of threats, harassment, and Intimidation when on Campaign train; destruction of posters and the likes. However, it is necessary that necessary stakeholders preach peace and shun violence for the success of the up and coming election.
He said further,
“Oyo state has had some share of electoral violence over the years, which is detrimental to development. It is far easier for the state and its people to thrive in peace than to combat chaos”.
“CISLAC, therefore, is urging security agencies to ensure that they tackle voter and public intimidation of any sort, and the electoral umpire, INEC to make concerted efforts to do the right things at the right time to avoid instances that can raise tensions during this sensitive period of elections. Relationships with security agencies as well as other peace structures in the state must be strengthened to allow for Early Warning and Early Response mechanisms to be effective.”
While eulogizing the leadership of the fifteen (15) out of Eighteen (18) political parties in Oyo state who demonstrated commitment towards a non-violent 2023 elections in the state by signing the peace accord in late 2022. Mr Okeke said the peace initiative has become imperative, most especially with the report of violence happening towards the build up to the 2023 general election.
He said further,
“Some of the key reasons for the peace pact include the need to build consensus among electoral stakeholders in the state as well as bestowing confidence among electorates.”
“It is imperative to emphasize this important achievement in the state. It cannot be overstated that the commitment of political parties and their frontline candidates under the Peace Accord will bind them to shunning hate speech, peddling of fake news, political thuggery and other acts that unnecessarily heat up the polity and stoke up electoral violence but will help them to focus on issue-based campaigns.”
“Ultimately, the Peace Accord is expected to bind stakeholders to bear on their supporters and party agents the need to maintain peace throughout the election period and beyond.”
“To achieve the objectives of the peace pact in the state, stakeholders must abide by their commitments under the agreements. Political actions must continue to be in line with the spirit of the agreements. And other observatory stakeholders such as the civil society and the media must also play their role to ensure compliance to the provisions of the peace agreements.”
