Dickson, Sylva, others sign peace pact ahead Bayelsa gov polls

IN about three weeks to the governorship election in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson, former Governor Timipre Sylva and candidates for all the other political parties contesting for the governorship poll in the state, have signed a peace accord.

They committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful and violence free governorship election with the signing of the accord at the Creek Motel venue of the exercise in Yenagoa the state capital on Tuesday.

Dickson, the incumbent governor and the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his predecessor in office, Sylva, who is contesting under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 18 other governorship candidates and their party chairmen all signed the accord.

The event was witnessed by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, represented by INEC National Commissioner representing North West, Mrs. Amina Zakari.

Also present at the signing of the accord were Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, Mr. Nasiru Oki; State Director of Department of State Security, Ade Oluseso; state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Baritor Kpagih; traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state.

Yakubu, in his address read by Zakari, said the INEC had been closely monitoring and following the activities of the parties, candidates and supporters pursuant to the mandate of the Commission.

He noted that the majority of activities and campaigns had been going on peacefully and in accordance with extant laws, rules and regulations.

On the significance of the accord, Yakubu said, “This peace pact is not the idea of INEC or the United Nations Development Programme, the initiative is with the support of the good people of Bayelsa State, and INEC is only the facilitator.”

The INEC chairman further reiterated the resolve of the commission to remain resolute in its commitment to provide a level playing field.