Bill Clinton, Scotland to witness second signing of the national peace accord

FORMER United States (U.S.) President Bill Clinton and Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland are to witness the second signing of the peace accord ahead of Saturday’s presidential election on Wednesday.

The first signing of the national peace accord midwifed by the Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC) took place on December 11.

The accord was designed to ensure peaceful campaigns and political rallies.

The second signing is coming at the instance of the Chairman

In a statement by Fr. Atta Barkindo, Head Secretariat, National Peace Committee, the eminent personalities will deliver good will messages at the occasion.

The statement reads: “The National Peace Committee, mindful of the importance of peaceful elections and non-violent transfer of power 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  February 13. President Clinton would 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.  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, in the effort at ensuring peaceful electoral process, has engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, 91 registered parties, the media and civil society organisations.