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The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has raised concerns over what he alleged is a united silence around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately after the United States of America designated Nigeria a country of particular concern.

He accused all the elected political office holders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the betrayal silence but said it is more worrisome that Tinubu’s political appointees and cabinet members are part of those maintaining silence at a critical period.

Onoh, in a statement explained

In the high-stakes arena of global diplomacy, where a nation’s reputation hangs by the thinnest of threads, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finds himself isolated in a precarious ledge.

He said the ongoing US designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom is a damning indictment that threatens economic sanctions, visa restrictions, and international isolation and has exposed the fragility of Tinubu’s administration like never before.

‘As the world watches and Washington deliberates, I’m shocked that the President’s most ardent political allies have retreated into an unnerving silence. Not a single voice from the APC governors, the National Assembly members, or the cadre of presidential appointees has risen in robust defense.

‘Yet mention Peter Obi, Atiku, Goodluck Jonathan any opposition, they will all wake up in all aggressive focus rushing to contribute something on the social media space. Clearly, the current situation has exposed they all have nothing to offer outside local political scope of opposition attacks. I alerted the president few months ago to trust only his wife, the first lady, and the reason is becoming evident.

‘This is not mere oversight; it is a calculated abandonment, a stark revelation of the rot at the heart of Nigeria’s ruling party.’

Onoh said that as a keen observer of Nigeria’s political theater and an unapologetic advocate for meritocracy, the current silence lays bare his alleged betrayal.

‘The APC’s machinery, once a juggernaut of unified purpose, now creaks under the weight of its own incompetence. Tinubu stands alone not because the cause is lost, but because he has been orphaned by the very cabal he empowered.

‘Where are the governors who owe their palaces to his patronage? Where are the senators and representatives who feasted at his table? And the appointees-those placeholders in ministerial robes and agency sinecures-why do they not rally with strategies, lobbying, or even a modicum of public solidarity?

‘And to my greatest shock, only the voices of few in the likes of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sen. Ali Ndume were heard, they put the love of country first before politics and they are critics of this government yet their voices were heard when it was needed.

‘The roots of this desertion trace back to a fatal miscalculation in the administration’s infancy. In the euphoric haze of victory, The President’s team prioritized loyalty over luminosity, doling out key positions not to the architects of policy or the tacticians of governance, but to political jobbers-those opportunistic fixers whose currency is allegiance, not expertise.

‘Ministries meant for economic wizards were handed to non party loyalists with résumés as thin as their grasp of fiscal levers. Those that genuinely supported the president were abandoned. Advisory roles, critical for navigating international waters, went to sycophants skilled in flattery but adrift in the complexities of diplomacy.

‘The National Assembly, bloated with APC majorities, became an echo chamber of standing on your mandate rather than a forge for legislative armor and today their silence out of fear of US visa revocations for them and their families if they speak boldly in your defense clearly shows majority of people surrounding you Mr. President are only standing on their own individual mandate and not yours.

‘The Governors many ensconced in their state fiefdoms, view federal tempests as distant storms, hoarding resources while offering platitudes in private.

‘Now, as the US State Department’s scrutiny intensifies-fueled by reports of escalating religious tensions, extrajudicial killings, and institutional biases-these ‘allies’ reveal their true mettle: brittle and self-serving. There is no surge of diplomatic envoys dispatched to Capitol Hill, no flood of op-eds from APC luminaries in global outlets, no coordinated push from appointees leveraging their networks.

‘Instead, Mr. President toils in solitary command, your mornings consumed by frantic calls to envoys and your evenings by the gnawing realization that the engine room of this government is staffed by passengers, not pilots. The actual work-crafting nuanced responses, mobilizing civil society coalitions, or even drafting a compelling counter-narrative-falls to a skeleton crew like myself and holdovers from prior regimes or overworked civil servants. The jobbers, predictably, excel at optics: photo-ops at Aso Rock, viral tweets of feigned outrage, but zero substantive output.’

Onoh warned that the situation is no isolated fiasco but the harbinger of systemic collapse.

‘When competency is sacrificed at the altar of patronage, the bill comes due in crises like this,’ he says. ‘Tinubu’s vision of a renewed Nigeria-bold infrastructure leaps, agricultural revolutions, and security overhauls-crumbles not under external pressure, but internal vacuum. The US designation is a mirror reflecting the administration’s soul: competent enough to win elections, but woefully unprepared to lead a nation through fire.’

‘Yet, in this valley of silence I see a clarion call for redemption. Mr. President must purge the jobber class, elevating individuals and technocrats who can turn rhetoric into results. The APC Governors and legislators owe The President more than inertia; they must step forward with actionable support-perhaps a bipartisan resolution in the Assembly, or governors-led advocacy tours in key US states.

Appointees should be measured not by their party badges, but by their deliverables. Only then can the echo of silence be replaced by a chorus of competence.

‘Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, not resignation. As the US deadline looms, Tinubu’s solitude need not be his sentence. It can be the spark that ignites a merit-based renaissance, proving that true allies are forged in the crucible of crisis, not the ballot box. My voice cuts through the quiet: the time for excuses is over. The work-the real work-begins now. I stood alone from the beginning with President Tinubu and I’ll Stand by him till the end of this tenure we laboured to win.’

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on a Monday warned non-state actors planing to disrupt Saturday’s governorship election to have a rethink and stay away.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Department at the signing of the National Peace Accord in Awka, he warned the state owned vigilante group, Ebube-Agu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to stay away from the exercise.

The police boss said the provision of security during the election is solely the responsibility of federal agents, warning that any individual or group caught bearing arms to obstruct lawful voting or undermine the sovereignty of the country will be matched with decisive force.

According to him: ‘Any attempt by IPOB, ESN or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.

‘Precision targeted intelligence operations are already active to identify, isolate and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation or violence and the Nigerian state will respond firmly, lawfully and conclusively. The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.

‘Furthermore, any person or group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognized federal agencies shall be treated as an armed of the non state actors.

‘Such persons shall be swiftly neutralized, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. This remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.

‘The Nigerian police force has activated the zero tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws.

‘Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct. Offenses such as ballot snatching, vote buying or voter intimidation, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022.

‘Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrest based on first evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution through the electoral offenses desk already activated across the state. The objective is simple, to deter misconduct through swift and exemplary enforcement.

‘In addition, specialised cyber crime units are deployed to monitor, trace and counter a digital misinformation, fake news and coordinated online propaganda aimed at destructing public peace or discrediting the process.

‘The following Election Day protocols are binding and enforceable under federal law. No political appointee, candidate or VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aids to polling or coalition centers.

‘Only accredited INEC officials, election observers and journalists may move freely between designated areas. Party agents and security personnel must remain within their assigned jurisdictions.

‘Campaigning, partisan display or any act capable of causing provocation within the vicinity of polling units is prohibited. Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest to all political parties, candidates and campaign managers, the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.

‘The Nigerian police force will hold political leadership directly, directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters.’

Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar said that democracy can only thrive where human lives are held sacred.

Represented by General Martin Luther Agwai, General Abubakar said signing of the Peace Accord represents their commitments, discipline and a call for responsibility on their part to ensure the success of the polls.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan said the commission was committed to conducting free fair and peaceful election, calling on all Candidates and their supporters to support the commission to deliver a credible polls by playing by the rules and respect the principles and letters of the accord they signed.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has unveiled 50 tax exemptions and reliefs designed to ease the financial burden on low-income earners, average taxpayers, and small businesses under Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, which will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Oyedele on WhatsApp platform released a comprehensive package, which he said represents one of the most people-focused tax reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, targeting fairness, simplicity, and inclusiveness in the country’s fiscal system.

He said the reform framework is part of the government’s commitment to ‘ensure that the masses and small businesses can thrive under a more just and growth-friendly tax environment.’

Under the new laws, individuals earning the national minimum wage or less will be exempt from Personal Income Tax (PIT) while those earning up to N1.2 million annually will also enjoy full exemption.

In addition, workers with an annual gross income up to N20 million will benefit from a reduced Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rate.

All gifts received by individuals are now tax-free, while several deductions will be allowable for personal tax computation.

These include contributions to pension funds, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the National Housing Fund, as well as interest on loans for owner-occupied homes and life insurance or annuity premiums.

Renters will also receive a rent relief amounting to 20 percent of their annual rent, up to a ceiling of N500,000.

To protect retirees, all pension funds and assets under the Pension Reform Act remain tax-exempt. Likewise, pension and gratuity payments, as well as retirement benefits, are tax-free. Compensation for loss of employment up to N50 million will also be exempt.

The new law exempts the sale of an owner-occupied house and personal effects worth up to N5 million from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Similarly, individuals can sell up to two private vehicles per year without tax liability.

Gains from shares below N150 million per year or up to N10 million will be exempt, while higher gains will also qualify for exemption if the proceeds are reinvested. Pension funds, charities, and non-commercial religious institutions will not be subject to CGT.

For businesses, the reform grants small companies – those with annual turnover not exceeding N100 million and total fixed assets below N250 million – a zero percent Companies Income Tax (CIT) rate. Eligible startups under Nigeria’s labeled startup framework will also enjoy tax exemption.

To encourage better worker welfare, companies offering salary increases, wage awards, or transport subsidies for low-income employees will receive a 50 percent additional deduction. Similarly, businesses hiring and retaining new staff for at least three years will get a 50 percent employment relief deduction.

Agricultural enterprises in crop production, livestock, and dairy farming will receive a five-year tax holiday, while investors in labeled startups – such as venture capitalists, accelerators, and private equity funds – will enjoy exemptions on qualifying investment gains.

Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions and zero-rated items are among the most extensive in the new law.

Basic food items, educational services and materials, health and medical services, and pharmaceutical products will attract zero percent VAT. Rent, transport services, and humanitarian supplies are fully exempt.

Small companies with turnover not exceeding N100 million will not be required to charge VAT, while VAT on diesel, petrol, solar equipment, and agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and feeds has been suspended or exempted.

Other exempt categories include baby products, sanitary towels, disability aids such as hearing aids and wheelchairs, and electric vehicles and their parts. Land and buildings also remain exempt from VAT.

Small companies, manufacturers, and agricultural businesses will no longer face withholding tax deductions on their income or payments to suppliers. In addition, small businesses will be exempt from the four percent development levy previously applicable.

To ease electronic transactions, transfers below N10,000 will not attract stamp duty. Salary payments, intra-bank transfers, and transfers of government securities, shares, or stocks are also exempt. All documents related to share transfers are covered under this relief.

Oyedele also announced a civic initiative tagged ‘Influencing for Good,’ aimed at empowering content creators and influencers to educate the public on Nigeria’s new tax reforms.

‘We are selecting 20 creators who have demonstrated commitment to public enlightenment for a special training session to help them share accurate and useful tax information,’ he explained.

The 50 tax exemptions and reliefs mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy direction – one that prioritizes equity, productivity, and relief for households and businesses as the nation works toward a fairer and more efficient tax system.

November is shaping up to be a thrilling month for book lovers. From emotionally charged domestic dramas to soul-stirring science fiction and poignant memoirs, this month’s lineup offers something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re craving a story that will make you think, cry, or escape reality for a while, here are ten books from Amazon worth adding to your shelf this November.

1. Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite – November 4th

The acclaimed author of My Sister, The Serial Killer returns with a haunting, romantic, and multi-generational tale of women bound by a family curse – one that dooms them to fall for men who always slip away. Set against the backdrop of Nigerian life, Cursed Daughters blends heartbreak, myth, and the inescapable pull of destiny.

2. The Heart-Shaped Tin by Bee Wilson – November 4th

When food writer Bee Wilson baked her own wedding cake in a heart-shaped tin, she never imagined the object would later hold the weight of a failed marriage. Her latest work is a warm, bittersweet meditation on food, memory, and how the simplest objects can hold entire lifetimes within them.

3. The Dinner Party by Viola van de Sandt – November 4th

After moving from the Netherlands to England, Franca’s life takes an unexpected turn when her partner, Andrew, persuades her to host a dinner for his colleagues. Told through alternating timelines – the dinner itself and Franca’s later therapy sessions. The Dinner Party unravels themes of body autonomy, rage, and the pressures of perfection.

4. Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer – November 11th

The author of The Dive from Clausen’s Pier returns with another emotionally charged novel about love, loss, and choice. When Claire, terminally ill, decides she wants a different kind of death – one without her husband’s involvement – it challenges decades of marriage, devotion, and identity.

5. The Silver Book by Olivia Laing – November 11th

Set in Venice, this novel imagines an alternate world where Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini never died. Two strangers find themselves entangled in romance, danger, and the cinematic underground. A love letter to cinema and a gripping thriller, The Silver Book is both eerie and intoxicating.

6. The Emergency by George Packer – November 11th

When an empire collapses under its own disillusionment, a surgeon named Hugo Rustin finds himself at odds with his family and society. As rebellion brews and chaos unfolds, he embarks on a dangerous journey toward redemption with his daughter by his side. A profound exploration of politics, faith, and human disconnection.

7. The Ferryman and His Wife by Alison McCullough (translated from Frode Grytten) – November 18th

In this quiet, poetic tale, a ferryman named Nils wakes up knowing it’s his last day alive. As he makes one final journey across the fjord, familiar passengers revisit his boat, each bringing memories of lives intertwined. A tender reflection on mortality, love, and the passage of time.

8. Simply More by Cynthia Erivo – November 18th

From Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo comes a powerful and personal collection of stories about resilience and growth. Simply More explores how setbacks, rejection, and vulnerability shaped her into the performer – and person – she is today.

9. The Eleventh Hour by Salman Rushdie- November 4th

A collection of five stories that meditate on life’s final moments – from faked suicides to quiet revelations amid catastrophe. Rushdie’s masterful storytelling examines mortality with irony, warmth, and grace. It’s one of the most anticipated collections of the season.

10. Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel – November 4th

Time travel sounds thrilling – until it’s real. When Maya and Noah, a couple marked by heartbreak, are given the chance to move through time, they discover that the power to rewrite the past can come at a deep emotional cost. Lightbreakers is both a cerebral adventure and a tender meditation on love, loss, and memory. As author Chloe Benjamin puts it, Compassionate and prismatic. soulful science fiction that speaks to the mind as well as the heart.

Grammy-winning Afrobeat star Burna Boy has revealed that despite converting from Christianity to Islam and studying multiple religions, he remains deeply uncertain about spiritual truth.

In a recent interview, the artist born Damini Ogulu explained that he was raised Christian simply because that was the faith of his parents and the environment he was born into.

According to him, he later made the conscious decision to convert to Islam.

Since then, the acclaimed ‘African Giant’ said he has explored various belief systems extensively.

Burna Boy recounted: ‘Of course, because that’s what your parents believe and that’s what you were born into. Growing up, I was a Christian and then I converted to Islam. It’s like I’ve studied it all, but I’m still out here trying to find out what is really going on, you know? The more I research, the more confused I get.’

The leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) shunned the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA) peace meeting with Osun Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo to end the over six-week strike action.

The Nation recalled that JUSUN embarked on strike action in September 2025 demanding for urgent intervention on staff welfare and implementation of 2024/2025 promotions. Since then, courtrooms across Osun State have been under lock and key.

The leadership of the NBA convened a peace meeting between the Chief Judge and JUSUN leadership but the meeting was boycotted by the latter on the claim that they might be arrested at the meeting.

A statement by the NBA through the Osogbo Branch Chairman, Barrister Maruf Adediran, said that JUSUN boycotted the meeting with CJ to engage them directly on their demands and explore pathways to resolution.

‘The meeting which has in attendance the Honourable Chief Judge, four other Honourable Judges, and some Bar Leaders, was unfortunately boycotted by the JUSUN leadership.

‘JUSUN alleged that they were threatened with arrest by a senior member of the Bar after he cautioned them against fomenting trouble and advised that their delegation to the meeting be limited to five representatives.

‘This misunderstanding led to their withdrawal from the scheduled engagement. Notwithstanding the absence of JUSUN, the meeting went ahead as scheduled.’

He added: ‘The Honourable Chief Judge has directed that a meeting of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) be convened on Tuesday to deliberate on JUSUN’s demands and to take necessary steps toward resolving the issues precipitating the strike.’

However, JUSUN through its Chairman, Comrade Idris Adeniran, hinged their decision to boycott the meeting on threat of arrest made by a close associate of the CJ, saying ‘The presence of a significant number of security personnel at the meeting venue underscores the seriousness of the threat and raises concerns about the safety and security of our members.’

‘The planned meeting at the State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), as announced by the NBA leadership, appears to be orchestrated without the involvement of JUSUN leadership, despite our ongoing strike.

‘This raises suspicions that the meeting may be used as propaganda to undermine our struggle for fairness and justice.

‘We reject any attempts to use the JSC meeting as a tool to force JUSUN to resume work without a satisfactory agreement.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of Chief (Mrs) Esther Olufunke Arthur-Worrey, mother of former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey.

Chief Arthur-Worrey died on October 29 at 98.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late matriarch as ‘a woman of grace, fortitude, and faith who devoted her life to family and community service.’

Tinubu noted that she lived a life anchored on strong moral values, compassion, and an abiding commitment to the well-being of others.

‘Mama Arthur-Worrey lived a fulfilled life of purpose and impact. She raised a family of accomplished individuals dedicated to service and the public good. Her legacy of kindness, discipline, and godliness will continue to inspire generations,’ he said.

The President extended condolences to the Arthur-Worrey family, praying for comfort and strength for them as they mourn their matriarch.

He urged the family to take solace in her exemplary life, which, he said, left a lasting impact on all who encountered her.

President Tinubu prayed that God would grant the departed eternal rest.

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has joined the growing list of Nigerian tacticians managing clubs outside the country following his appointment as head coach of Egyptian second-division side, Telecom Egypt SC.

For decades, Nigerian players have made their mark across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now, an increasing number of Nigerian managers are following suit and getting opportunities to showcase their tactical prowess on the global stage.

Here are seven Nigerians who have coached abroad:

Ndubuisi Egbo

Egbo made history in 2020 when he guided KF Tirana to the Albanian league title – becoming the first African coach to win a European top-flight crown and to qualify a team for the UEFA Champions League.

Sunday Oliseh

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has managed several clubs in Europe, including Belgian sides Eupen and RCS Verviétois. He also enjoyed a notable spell with Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands.

Emmanuel Amuneke

AFCON 1994 winner Emmanuel Amuneke has coached across multiple countries, including Sudan with Al Khartoum Watani and Saudi Arabia. He also guided Tanzania to AFCON qualification as their national team coach.

Harrison Okagbue

Okagbue served as head coach of the Uganda national team between 1999 and 2001, earning widespread respect across East Africa.

Christian Chukwu

Former Super Eagles manager Christian Chukwu handled the Kenya national team in the late 1990s, contributing to their tactical development during his tenure.

Samson Siasia

Siasia was briefly appointed as head coach of Durgapur Vox Champions in India’s Bengal Premier League Soccer in 2012, though the project was halted before the league commenced.

The stage is set for Edo Carnival 2025, a spectacular week-long celebration that will light up Benin City from December 21 to 27, showcasing the rich heritage, music, and artistry of the Edo people in a grand display of culture and creativity.

This maiden edition, themed ‘our culture our pride’, promises to transform the ancient city into Nigeria’s cultural capital, drawing visitors, tourists, and performers from across the country and beyond for seven unforgettable days of entertainment, unity, and pride.

The carnival unfolds in multiple phases: pre-launch activities running from October 1 to November 30, designed to build excitement through media campaigns, influencer engagement, and citywide promotions; followed by the launch phase (December 1-20), featuring band activations, challenges, and community events; and finally, the carnival week (December 21-27), when Benin City bursts into life with parades, concerts, and cultural showcases.

Highlights of the 2025 carnival include the Grand Opening Ceremony on December 21, Cultural Band Competition and Night Concert on December 22, Trade Fair and Comedy Show on December 23, Pageant Night on December 24, Christmas Family Fiesta on December 25, the Grand Band Parade on December 26, and the Awards and Closing Concert on December 27, presided over by His Excellency.

A stellar lineup of carnival bands, including Eniware, Osigo, Queen Idia, Ohanmian, Enhenugha, Governor’s Band, Royal Band, and Black Rio, will bring Edo’s history and spirit to life through colorful costumes, choreography, and storytelling inspired by royal traditions. Top Nigerian artists will also grace the stage, blending Afrobeat with traditional Edo rhythms in a unique celebration of creativity and identity.

To ensure global visibility, Edo Carnival 2025 has partnered with leading media platforms such as Trace TV, Soundcity, and Africa Magic, amplifying the festival’s reach to both national and international audiences.

Speaking on the upcoming celebration, Mr. Daniel Eromosele, CEO of Peak Rendezvous Entertainment Global Ltd, the official organizers of the Edo Carnival, stated:

‘Edo Carnival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of who we are as a people. This year, we’re blending history with innovation to create a cultural experience that will not only entertain but inspire pride and connection among Edo sons and daughters, and indeed, all lovers of African culture.’

Echoing this sentiment, the chairman of the carnival committee and the honorable commissioner for finance, Edo state, Hon Emmanuel Okoebor, described the carnival as a bridge between culture and development:

‘Through this carnival, Edo State is showcasing its rich cultural heritage while promoting tourism, creativity, and youth empowerment. It’s a statement that Edo is open for culture, business, and global collaboration.’

Beyond the festivities, Edo Carnival 2025 stands as a platform for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation. From traditional crafts and fashion to music, dance, and cuisine, the carnival reaffirms Edo’s place as a beacon of African culture.

As Benin City prepares to welcome guests from all walks of life, one thing is certain: Edo Carnival 2025 will be an unforgettable experience, where tradition meets glamour and culture takes center stage.

Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) has called on candidates participating in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra state to honour the principles of democracy.

He stressed that democracy must always reflect the will of the people.

Speaking on Monday in Awka during the signing of peace accord, Abubakar, represented by Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai, said Anambra deserved peace and stability.

Convener, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah reassured the Committee’s determination to ensure democracy was not only credible, but believable and trustworthy by Nigerians.

He appreciated all stakeholders for honoring the invitation, expressing confidence the new INEC leadership would bring in certain level of quality resilient and experience about democratic processes.

While commending security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding the process, Kukah said, ‘confidence of the citizens is strengthened when the institutions carry out their duties with fairness and honor.

‘Thank God both the INEC Chairman and the governor are Profs and have set the bar. We commend and encourage the INEC team for doing exceptionally difficult job for a people that have difficulty in appreciating sacrifices.

‘We acknowledge your efforts and urge you not to be discouraged by criticisms and seeming frustrations of ordinary Nigerians as you brace up for the task ahead,’ he added.

The Bishop also commended the traditional rulers who he described as burden bearers at the grassroots, saying, ‘your words of wisdom are invaluable especially in a country where so many expansion of lands are ungoverned.

‘Nigeria is undergoing a certain level of psychological nervousness because of the current news. Let’s continue to pray for our country because nothing will happen without God’s approval.

‘I’m happy with assurances from stakeholders in the state. I urge you to live according to the light. Be the light of the world and nation.

‘I pray your election will bring honor to your state to our nation,’ he added.

While signing the peace accord, candidates of various political parties present at the event pledged to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo described the peace accord as a vital step toward deepening democracy in the state.

He said the event symbolised unity and collective commitment to peaceful elections.

Expressing confidence in the electoral umpire to uphold the will of the people, Soludo said, ‘the Anambra way is to contest fiercely and embrace one another the next day after the elections,’ he said.