PENGASSAN tasks politicians on Abuja peace accord

THE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has advised politicians and their followers in the country to allow the Abuja Peace     Accord that was brokered by the international community and signed by the presidential candidates of 14 political parties to work.

Speaking at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, PENGASSAN President, Francis Johnson, noted that 2015 is a remarkable year in the political life of Nigeria, adding that the election marks the maturity of the nation in deciding its strength and weaknesses to transform from one civilian regime to another.

    Johnson said: “There is global focus on government, especially the Professor Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to live up to expectations through the conduct of free and fair elections, where electorate votes count on ‘One Man/Woman, One Vote’ basis as step towards delivering credible elections.”

    He advised all political parties to tread with caution to explore the path of peace and the principle of fair play during the polls where there are reports of wrangling and bickering among themselves.

Johnson also advised political leaders and their followers not to see  the elections as “an end in itself  nor a do or die affairs,” pointing out that  all political parties and their gladiators should  collaborate  to ensure that “Project Nigeria” does not fail, adding that “all of us including the politicians have no other country, except our dear country.”

     Johnson enjoined all stakeholders, especially the politicians and their followers to pursue peace, unity and progress to nurture the nation’s growth, saying that if the Abuja Peace accord works, Nigeria will emerge as one peaceful and united entity.

    According to a press statement, the PENGASSAN President, who called on all Nigerians to go out and cast their votes, said “Nigerians should look at the agenda of individuals standing for elections at the general elections before casting their votes.     Campaigns must be protected and guided to eradicate mudslinging while promoting robust and persuasive debates with healthy rivalry that can bring out the best among parties and candidates.”