From Iduozee Paul Benin
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, says he will invite all the governorship candidates participating in the forthcoming governorship election in the state to his palace to sign a peace pact especially, the two major political parties, APC and PDP.
Ewuare II made the statement while receiving, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu and his entourage in his palace.
Oba Ewuare II said the peace pact would enable the candidates to talk to their followers to eschew violence before, during and after the September 19 governorship election.
The Oba said politicians must learn to emulate the immediate past president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who in the interest of peace and the unity of the country, accepted the outcome of the presidential election which eventually saw Muhammadu Buhariemerge as the nation’s president.
The royal father expressed displeasure at the way politicians have turned the state because of their personal interest noting, that he is father to all and that no father would be happy when his children are always engaging themselves in a fight at home. He maintained that the palace has always remained neutral in the state’s politics but has regard and concern for the candidate with respect for the traditional institution, create jobs for the people so that can put foods on their family tables and respect the masses.
The monarch further stressed that to douse the political tensions in the nation’s politics, a single term system should be encouraged noting that such will not only cut costs but also reduce undue tensions that are associated with it.
The Oba added that with the single term system, there should also be a mechanism to remove governors who fail to perform without resulting to any political tension.
Responding, chairman of INEC, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud said they were at the palace to seek his blessings ahead of the elections.