Ahead of the July 18, 2016 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-scheduled governorship primaries, aspirants in the state on Monday marched for peace and non-violence before, during and after the election.
The commitment to a non-violent election was extracted from the aspirants in Benin City by the alumni association of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, during a procession round the Kings Square.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ovenseri Utamere, a member of the AAU alumni, noted that the occasion was organized with the aim of getting the commitments of all the governorship aspirants and their supporters to ensure a peaceful election.
According to him,”When there is violence, the choice of the people to make their choice would not be guaranteed. Therefore, part of the objectives is to know how much the aspirants support peace”.
In his brief remarks, Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, as aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), thanked the organisers of the event for extending the invitation to him and members of his campaign organisation, noting that as oxygen and air are synonymous with life, that is how peace is synonymous to democracy.
He said “We must say no violence, destruction of lives and property. Today the power sector is in comatose because of vandalism, let us say no to anything that will bring violence”, reminding people that violence is not a prerogative of one man.
On his part, representative of the Labour party aspirant, Pastor Amos Arhionogbe, said being an alumnus of AAU and a clergyman, he has always been in the vanguard and support of peace.
“We cannot continue to live in a country or state where there is no peace. Therefore, we say no to violence and I enjoin all to queue behind whoever gets the ticket”, he said.
To Gen. Charles Airhavbere, APC governorship hopeful, who was represented by Ehinwenma Elizabeth, without peace, there will be no progress and therefore, “I support democracy and nonviolence election”.
Similarly, Godwin Obaseki represented by his Deputy Director General, Osakue John, appreciated all those behind the initiative and the NUJ for organising the event. He said as a man with robust career both in public and private sector, his track record speaks for him as a man of peace.
(THISDAY)
