Nigeria ( Commonwealth Union ) _ The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, arrives in Abuja to sign the National Peace Agreement ahead of Nigeria’s general election.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy with over 93 million registered voters, is holding its seventh presidential election since its restoration to democracy in 1999. The National Peace Agreement, established by the National Peace Committee (NPC), was signed at a ceremony on February 22nd and intends to bind political parties to peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
The current and previous presidents of Nigeria and officials from 18 different political parties, foreign dignitaries, members of observer missions from the African Union, European Union and the Commonwealth, and other diplomats were present at the signing.
The Secretary-General delivered the keynote address at the 2019 Peace Accord, noting that “Commonwealth values are enshrined in the Peace Accord” and praising Nigeria’s “steadfast commitment to the promotion of peace.” This is the second National Peace Accord the Secretary-General has attended in Nigeria.
In a speech to all Nigerians, the Secretary-General said, this great nation has given Africa, the Commonwealth, and the world so much. The time has once more arrived for you to demonstrate who you are, what matters to you, and what your goals are. The proud and upbeat gaze of more than 210 million Nigerians. The 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens and the 1.3 billion Africans who live there. They are all focused on you. Moreover, She added that Nigeria is the powerhouse of Africa and is a proud nation which has selected peace over everything.
The Secretary-General emphasized the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing commitment to advancing democratic ideals and practices and helping Nigeria and other member countries realize the objectives of the Peace Agreement in his remarks at the ceremony. The Commonwealth Secretariat collaborates with member nations to advance democracy, responsible leadership, stability, and the rule of law.
