Matthias Schmale, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, warned that election violence often begins with divisive statements and hate speech. He made this observation in a speech titled “Electoral violence undermines inclusive electoral processes, especially with regard to rule of law and human rights including women’s participation,” delivered during high‑level consultations with key stakeholders and the signing of the Enugu State Peace Accord ahead of the upcoming general elections. The event was organized by the National Peace Committee, the Kukah Centre, the United Nations, and the Enugu State Peace Committee.
In a statement sent to our correspondent on Sunday, Schmale emphasized the importance of involving religious and traditional leaders, as well as active civil‑society organisations—including women’s and youth groups—to disseminate messages promoting peaceful elections across Enugu State’s 17 Local Government Areas. He noted, “We know that peaceful elections in Nigeria start with peaceful elections in Local Government Areas and the states. Enugu must claim its status as one of the prominent states in the nation where peace reigns and where political differences and intolerance are managed through non‑violent means.”
Schmale added that members of the Enugu State Peace Architecture and other stakeholders are already working to promote social cohesion and strengthen alternative dispute‑resolution mechanisms. Representing the National Peace Committee, Emmanuel Nkanka read the draft Peace Accord, which was projected on a screen for participants, and urged candidates and political parties to honor the accord they had signed.
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