Post 2019 Elections: CSOs Sues for Peace in Plateau State

Jide Afolabi, Jos

Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, CSACEFA, Plateau state, has sued for peace in the state after the conclusion of the 2019 general elections.

The coalition during a press conference organised in collaboration with Centre for Healthcare and Economic Empowerment for Women and Youth in Plateau State, CHEEWY, in Jos, Plateau state capital today, Wednesday, advised all candidates in the elections who were dissatisfied with the outcome to approach the election petitions tribunal for redress rather than resorting to self-help.

The Convener of the group, Mr Peter Iorapuu emphasised the need for all to be peace advocates adding that the International Communities appeared to have been tired of funding crisis managements project in the country hence, the need to live with one another in peace.

The body congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Political Parties, Security Agencies, Religious and Traditional Institutions, Observer Groups, the Media and every stakeholder that have largely contributed to the peaceful conduct of the 2019 General Elections in the State.

The body also commended the electorates for conducting themselves peacefully while exercising their franchise and the Plateau state government for providing an enabling environment for the conduct of the elections.

The statement read in part:
“The narrative in Plateau state since 2001 has been that of killings and bloodshed until recently when that begins to gradually change owing to the untiring efforts of the Civil Society Organisations and governments at various levels.

International Communities and Donors have supported both the CSOs and the government to achieve the relative peace that we are currently enjoying in the state. However, statistics have shown that such supports are vastly dwindling as it appears that they are tired of sending money to Africa for crisis management and worse in Plateau state as humanitarian organisations have shifted base to the Boko Haram ravaged North Eastern part of the country. Hence, the need for us all to embrace peace as there is no alternative to peace.

We are not unaware of the fact that every election have its challenges and the 2019 general elections especially, the just concluded governorship elections in the state is not immune from this. The elections were no doubt a fair, keenly but fierce contest between the 24 candidates who have demonstrated clearly, the capacity to govern the state. The final outcome of the elections has confirmed this position.

However, the elections are over and winners have emerged. We are gradually entering another phase – Election Petitions Tribunal. As Civil Society Organisations which are committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria and Plateau state in particular and a peaceful state, we are calling on all stakeholders, especially, the political parties and politicians in the state to be peace advocates during this period.”

Iorapuu said that the coalition was ready to work with any government that makes people centre of its policy.

“As CSOs, we are ready to work with any government at any level to promote good governance, accountability, transparency and deepening the peace efforts in the state regardless of the political party of the occupier of such office. Therefore, we want to urge the good people of Plateau state that irrespective of our religious, political and ethnic divide, bury our differences and support the government in place in whatever means possible to see that the people on the Plateau have economic prosperity, inclusive governance and social justice to all.” He said.

The body said that its members mobilised and deployed observers across the nation and in all the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

The coalition stated that it was, “committed to deepening and strengthening democratic practice and processes in Nigeria. We are also committed to a peaceful, prosperous and flourishing Plateau and Nigeria by extension.

It reiterated the fact that all stakeholders must promote peaceful coexistence in the state because, “A peaceful Plateau is a task before us all.”

While speaking separately during the press conference, the Ter Tiv on the Plateau, Chief Peter Ageh; Leader of Idoma Community in the state, Chief Barr Leo Adejoh (JP); Senior Ward Head, Jenta, Da Cabala Pako and the representatives of Hausa Community, Alhaji Muhammed Magaji noted that it was important for all to live together in peace if we want the state and its people to develop.

In his reaction, Comrade Steve Aluko noted that it was important for the political parties and politicians to play the game by obeying the law of the land in lieu of taking law ito their hands adding that we must all work towards a peaceful Plateau.

Present at the event were members of the coalition, traditional leaders, members of Civil Society Organisations and observers among others.