Peace Committee, Others Move To Manage Election Fallout

Apparently wary of probable post-election crisis following the violence that trailed the presidential and National Assembly elections, the National Peace Committee, on Saturday, moved to manage the situation.
Accordingly, the committee appealed to Nigerians to maintain peaceful conduct after the elections.
Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who made the appeal after casting his vote at the hilltop polling unit in Minna, Niger State, however, commended the relative peaceful conduct of the exercise in the state and country.
He said, “I have been able to perform my civic responsibility, I am happy we have peace in the country during the elections. From what I have seen here, it is very comfortable, the moment they see you, the BVAS captures you and gives you your ballot papers for you to cast your vote.
“From all that has been going on, everything is going on smoothly and peacefully. We thank God for how things are going on in Nigeria and Niger State”.
The Arewa Consultative Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have given indications they will accept and work with whoever emerges president while Afenifere has deferred from making such a commitment.
National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, told our source that he has been cautioned not to make any comment on the polls.
But the apex northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), said it would accept the outcome of the presidential election and support whoever emerges the winner.
Secretary-general of the forum, Aloyi Murtala, said whatever candidates and their supporters would wish, the final verdict will be determined by the votes Nigerians cast.
He stated: “There will definitely be winners and losers, so whichever way it goes, no one should attempt to disrespect the decision of Nigerians by condemning, or even worse, rejecting the outcome.
“That will be a cruel attack on our democracy and Nigerians will regard such conduct as unacceptable. Leaders in all climes must take all steps to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Citizens and foreigners in their domains.
“The media too must play a responsible role in reporting to douse any tension that may arise as a consequence of the elections and results. Governments at all levels must ensure a smooth transition to the next crop of leadership.
“But most importantly, Nigerians should come out and vote for the candidates of their choice on Saturday, 25th February, 2023, and two weeks later on Saturday, 11th March, 2023. Remember, not coming out to vote is allowing yourself to be ruled by your inferiors! God bless and save the Federal Republic of Nigeria” he said.
Similarly, the Ohanaeze Youth Council declared on Saturday that they were ready to accept the outcome of the presidential election.
President of the council, Okwu Nnabuike Okwu, disclosed this in an interview with The Tide source in Enugu.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council president said they were against people with the intention to truncate the electoral process.
He pointed out that they want to ensure that democracy is sustained, adding that they wouldn’t want the military to take over power.
“We are ready to accept it, we want to continue with the electoral process”, he stated.