Candidates of various political parties in the forthcoming general elections in Kogi East senatorial district have signed peace agreement with Ukomu-Igala socio-cultural organisation to stave off thuggery and violence during the elections.
The peace pact was signed at the end of an interactive session organised by the socio- cultural group for the candidates at Anyigba, Dekina local government area of the state.
Mrs Eugenia Abu, Director Programmes at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abuja, who moderated the question and answer session of the programme reminded the candidates that it was a bond they had signed to prevent violence before, during and after the elections.
The national leader of Ukomu-Igala socio-cultural organisation,Major General Patrick Akpa, in his welcome address, said the mindset of people before now was that elections could only be won by the power of one’s money and the strength of political thugs, stressing that “those days are gone only those who know the value of human beings could present themselves for election.
“It is the vision of Ukomu-lgala and other frontline socio-cultural organisations in the land to change the narrative. It begins with an interactive session with political candidates where a social contract can be formed before they are elected.
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“In Ukomu, we dream of a future for the Kingdom where acquisition of power is not worth the blood of any lgala citizen. We dream of a future where politics is played by the rules and benefit of the people who vote.
“We dream of a future where money is not the major determinant of who holds political power but the quality ideas, and competence to provide quality representation if elected.
“We dream of a future where politicians do not see themselves as overlords but servants willing to freely subject themselves to accountability; where elections are not considered a do or die affair”, said.
Akpa held that henceforth, anyone who aspires for political leadership and wished to get the support of the people must sign a social contract with them, promising to address key Igala development issues when elected into office.
“Ukomu-lgala in consultation with other socio-cultural organisations have identified key priorities that we want our aspirants to address when they get into office,” he added.
To this end, he said, an agenda was developed with agriculture, education,healthcare, infrastructure and political empowerment as key priorities and core components tailored towards uplifting the people and the land.
“It is the plan of Ukomu-lgala and other socio-cultural organisations to organise similar interactive sessions with elected leaders while in office where they will be required to give account of their stewardship.”
Present at the interactive session were national and state Assemblies’ candidates of APC, PDP, SDP, YDP, APDA, in the coming general elections.
