The National Peace Committee (NPC) has invited former president of the United States, Bill Clinton to deliver Keynote Address at the signing of peace accord.
A statement by the Head of the NPC Secretariat, Fr. Attah Barkindo Sunday said the Committee also invited the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia to the event ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“Mindful of the importance of peaceful elections and non-violent transfer of power, the National Peace Committee has engaged various stakeholders in preparation for the 2019 General Elections.
“To this end, it is pleased to announce that it has invited Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America and Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, to visit Nigeria from 12 to 13 February 2019 ahead of the Nigerian presidential elections.
“Both President Clinton and Baroness Scotland will deliver goodwill messages at the signing ceremony of the “National Peace Accord”, which will hold at Abuja International Conference Centre on 13 February.
“President Clinton will also hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar. As we move into Nigeria’s national elections, the threat of unrest has to be taken seriously,” the statement read.
According to the statement, “Both Guests of Honour enjoy enormous respect in Nigeria and beyond and we look forward to his counsel and advice to help Nigeria navigate through what will hopefully be a peaceful and fair electoral cycle.
The NPC commended the Kofi Annan Foundation for supporting the process as well as supporting free and fair elections in Nigeria.
“The NPC has engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, 91 registered parties, the media and civil society organisations,” it stated.
It would be recalled that the Committee organized the 1st signing of the National Peace Accord on 11th December, 2018 to support peaceful campaigns and political rallies.
Led by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the 2nd signing of the National Peace Accord will be held on
Wednesday, 13th February, 2019 in Abuja.
This signing is aimed towards committing stakeholders to accepting the outcome of the vote, as long as it is announced by INEC, the body empowered by law and is adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
