2019: UN to set up committee, speaks on Buhari, Atiku’s ambition

As the 2019 general election draws near, the UN said there is the need
to reactivate the National Peace Committee, which played critical
roles in ensuring a peaceful 2015 presidential election.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres stated this in the 'Report of
the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office
for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)', presented to the UN Security
Council.

The National Peace Committee followed the signing of the Abuja Peace
Accord on Jan. 14, 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan of the
Peoples Democratic Party, then All Progressives Congress candidate,
Muhammadu Buhari and other presidential candidates.

The Committee comprised of 'respected statesmen and women, traditional
and religious leaders' who include former Head of State, Gen.
Abdulsalam Abubakar, Bishop Mathew Kukah, and Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar
III, Sultan of Sokoto.

Guterres said his Special Representative for West Africa and the
Sahel, Mohammed Chambas, continued to support efforts to sustain peace
in the region by promoting and supporting inclusive national political
dialogues, constitutional and democratic reforms and transparent,
credible and peaceful election.

The UN chief said: "Cognizant of the politically active environment
ahead of the Nigerian polls in 2019, he conducted consultations with
political and religious leaders in Abuja from 18 to 21 March.

"National stakeholders concurred on the need for the full reactivation
of the National Peace Committee of Nigeria, which had been
instrumental in facilitating dialogue prior to the country's elections
in 2015″.

Through the Peace Accord, the candidates committed to "take proactive
measures to prevent electoral violence before, during and after the
elections".

They also expressed determination "to avoid any conduct or behaviour
that will endanger the political stability and national security of
Nigeria,… to place national interest above personal and partisan
concern".

They further reaffirmed their "commitment to fully abide by all rules
and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in
Nigeria".

The UN chief noted the preparedness for the 2019 presidential election
and other political developments in Nigeria.

He said: "In Nigeria, political developments centred on preparations
for presidential and parliamentary elections set to take place in
February 2019.

"On 9 April, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, declared his intention
to run for a second term. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also
announced his candidacy for the presidential election.

"A demand made by the House of Representatives in April, following an
increase in violence in the Middle Belt and the north of the country,
to dismiss national service chiefs and security advisers, has not been
carried out.

"In addition, the decision of the National Assembly to summon Mr
Buhari to provide a briefing on the increased insecurity in the
country prompted a debate on whether the legislature had such power
over the executive".

Guterres noted the 'Not Too Young To Run' bill, which would reduce the
age limits set for candidates for elected positions, and the adoption
of the Electoral Act amendment, which would regulate the general
elections.