2023: What Jonathan, Gowon Said At Peace Accord Signing

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised presidential candidates participating in Saturday’s election to desist from using instruments of misinformation to influence the election.

Jonathan stated this on Wednesday during the signing of the peace accord at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The former president, whose speech was read by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, said the peace accord was aimed at tackling disinformation, and misinformation during the election.

Jonathan also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the election is credible, adding that the country needs a stable democracy.

He said: “This is aimed at mitigating disinformation, and misinformation during the election and in the time of the social media era.

“There is no other time than now given the considerable tension in the country as a result of the election. The election is not war. The country needs a stable democracy. The world looks up to us to get our leadership right and leadership recruitment right.”

Also speaking, former Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, appealed to criminal elements who are bent on disrupting the election to reconsider their actions.

He asserted that Nigeria needs a leader who is capable of bringing and ensuring dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.

Gowon also appealed to the candidates to be civil in their utterances and wished Nigerians a peaceful election and smooth transition of government.

He said: “I appeal to those who are bent on disrupting the election to reconsider their actions, to give an opportunity for just and fair resolution to the problems at hand. I wish all Nigerians a peaceful election and smooth transition of government as we had last time.”