REC Receives GAPU, Pledges Support To Promote Peace

Maryam Aminu

The Global Alliance for Peace and Unity GAPU, in the bid to increase efforts towards national unity, paid an advocacy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State, Prof. Tersoo Oliver Agundu

Speaking during the visit on Wednesday the 28th of February, 2024 the President of the Association, Hon. Solomon Pevkyaa noted that the group is out to preach against violence and a peaceful Nigeria

Acknowledging the significant role Agundu played in mitigating violence during the election, Pevkyaa said
the successful conduct of the 2023 elections, amidst some challenging circumstances in the state, not only demonstrated the REC’s capacity but showed he is a lover of peace

The organisation described the REC as one of the best RECs that conducted credible election that brought about peace and unity in the city.

“In many countries, elections are a flashpoint for violence. Yet the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State raised awareness and advocated for change around issues of electoral violence and saw peaceful election in the state.”

Listing out some of the organisation’s achievements, Pevkyaa reiterated GAPU’s commitment to attaining global peace

He informed Prof. Agundu of the planned Peace Summit to be held in April 2024, and extended an early invitation to him

For the deft handling of men and materials during the conduct of the 2023 elections, for facing his assignment with practiced decorum and for giving integrity to the electoral process which in return brought about peace and unity in the state, GAPU decorated the Resident Electoral Commissioner with a peace medal and awarded him a Certificate of Commendation

Welcoming the group, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Plateau State, Prof. Tersoo Oliver Agundu thanked the group for noticing and appreciating his efforts in ensuring peace in Nigeria during and after the election

The REC expressed concern about the growing hate, division, religious intolerance and other forms of unrest in Nigeria

Explaining further, he said religion and politics are not meant to divide us, but rather to bring citizens together in growth, progress and development.

“When we were growing up, we had muslim family friends and neighbours who visit us during the Christmas season and we also do same during Sallah but today people are scared of associating with one another due to insecurity. How did we get to this state? Peace and Unity must be restored” he said

He therefore promised to partner with GAPU in major programmes that promotes and sustain peace

“As a REC, I will continue to appeal to Nigerians particularly the youth to restrain from killing themselves for desperate politicians.” He assured