The National Peace Committee (NPC) on Friday in Abuja commended the people of Anambra for the peaceful conduct of the Nov. 6 gubernatorial election.
NPC, chaired by retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State, also congratulated Prof. Charles Soludo on his emergence as the governor-elect.
Abubakar said in a statement that the peaceful conduct of the election amidst earlier narratives of doom further deepened the culture of peaceful elections in the country.
“I particularly commend the people of Anambra for the way and manner they conducted themselves throughout the election, leading up to the announcement of the election results.
“Throughout the election, you displayed unprecedented patience, courage, decorum, and sacrifice to cast your votes and play your part in deepening the culture of peaceful elections in Nigeria.
“Irrespective of earlier narratives of doom, fear, tension and anxiety, you have once again demonstrated to Nigerians that goodwill always overcomes evil.
“Nigerians appreciate your conduct and display of patriotism and commitment to the ideals of democracy, which is worthy of emulation,’’ he stated.
The NPC also commended INEC, political parties, security agencies and all stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the election.
“The National Peace Committee particularly expresses profound appreciation to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman and his team and the Inspector- General of Police.
“The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee for Election and Security, security agencies, traditional rulers, development partners, and civil society groups are also worthy of commendation.
“This is for their tireless efforts in ensuring a peaceful electoral process in Anambra.
“We thank the political parties and their respective candidates for yielding to the call for a peaceful election in Anambra.
“In the same vein, we thank all political stakeholders from ward chairmen to state chairmen of all the political parties who participated in the election for giving peace a chance.
“The Peace Committee congratulates the governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“The Committee urges him to be magnanimous in victory and live up to the democratic ideals for which he was elected,’’ Gen. Abubakar stated.