#EDODECIDES2024: ANEEJ, Nigeria Situation Room, NPF Organise Edo 2024 Governorship Election Peace and Security Summit
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA… As the Edo State governorship election approaches and recognizing the need to address conflict challenges, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Nigerian Situation Room, Nigerian Police Force, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with support from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) organized the Edo 2024 Governorship Election Peace and Security Summit on Tuesday 10th September 2024 in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The summit, themed “Promoting Unity and Navigating the Path to a Peaceful Election,” brought together key stakeholders, including the Edo State Peace and Mediation Working Committee, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious and traditional leaders, anti-corruption and electoral oversight bodies such as the ICPC, security agencies (The Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)), political leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and the media.
The primary goal of the summit was for key stakeholder to reiterate their commitment, and discuss strategies for ensuring a peaceful electoral process while promoting voter education and participation. Key discussions focused on reducing election-related violence, curbing vote-buying, ensuring ballot integrity, and increasing voter turnout.
The chairperson of the Edo State Peace Committee, Professor U. Igbudu, set the tone for the discussions. In her remarks, she emphasized that elections are fundamental to democracy, as they embody the people’s voice and aspirations.
In a keynote address delivered by the Executive Director of The Kukah Centre and Head of the Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo (PhD) citing Pre-election Security Risk Assessment by Kimpact Development Initiative noted that about 46 cases of non-electoral violence occurred in the state between January and July 2024 and 19 incidents of electoral violence within the same period.
He further noted that “the actors in this violence range from political elites to hired mercenaries who are willing to use force to intimidate opponents and voters. He pointed that these acts of violence do not only damage the credibility of the electoral process but also erode public trust in democracy and sued peace and security in the 21 September polls in Edo State.
“As we look forward to the upcoming 2024 Edo State governorship elections, the need for peace and security cannot be overstated. For me, the biggest threat to democracy is when election after election, there is no change in the lives of ordinary citizens. We want politics to deliver development, justice, peace and development to our people.”
The keynote message followed with a panel discussion on “Mitigating Electoral Violence through Stakeholders Commitment,” where experts from various sectors shared insights on promoting unity and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Moderated by Joyce Chukwuka, Head of Programs, Super FM Benin, the panel included Chief Imam of the AAU Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Momoh; Leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Archdiocese of Benin City, Sir Humphrey Best Iriabe; Executive Director of Mini Initiatives, Peter Aguebor; Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, ICPC, Premo Ayaoge; and the Ogirrua of Irrua Kingdom, HRM Alhaji W.O. Momodu II, JP, CON, represented by Chief Christopher, Enakhe of Irrua Kingdom.
The discussion centered around several critical issues impacting electoral integrity. On the pervasive issue of vote-buying, representatives from the ICPC and security agencies stressed the need for collective action to curb this menace, which poses a significant threat to electoral integrity.
Election-related violence was a central theme of the discussion, with panelists strongly urging political leaders to avoid inciting violence among their supporters. They highlighted the responsibility of political figures in fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
In addition, the transparency and accountability of INEC were brought into focus. Panelists emphasized the need for the electoral body to maintain transparency throughout the process. They also stressed the importance of promptly addressing any irregularities and fostering close collaboration between election observers and INEC to ensure free and fair elections.
The hallmark of the summit was the demonstration of a collective commitment to peace from political leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations. In a strong show of unity, prominent figures including the representative of Senator Adams Aliu Oshomole, former Chief Whip Honourable Samson Osagie; the representative of Senator Monday Okpebholo; Honourable Jarrett Tenebe, APC Chairman; Hon. Donald Okogbo representing Akoko Edo; Comrade Annie Umoru from the Initiative for Gender Equality; representatives of the NSCDC, Edo State Command; Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Enabulele; and the representative of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Phil Arojie, all sued for peaceful, free, and credible election.
They assured the people of Edo State that they would play their part in promoting peace, reinforcing the notion that violence has no place in the democratic process.
ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, in his closing remarks, emphasizing the crucial role of peace in the electoral process. Ugolor reiterated that without peace, a successful election cannot be achieved, and highlighted that the election is a means to an end, not an end in itself. He called on all actors in the electoral process to play by the rules.
Read highlights here Watch the full video coverage of the summit