Department of Church and Society, CSN

On Sunday, 15th September 2024, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, convener of the National Peace Committee, delivered a stirring keynote address at the Edo Governorship Election Security Townhall, organized by Kimpact Development Initiative in collaboration with Channels Television and supported by UK International Development. As Edolites gear up for the 2024 Edo Governorship Election on Saturday, 21st September, Bishop Kukah’s message carried a powerful, resonating call: “Let peace reign.”

With wisdom and a touch of humor, Bishop Kukah reflected on the role of the Peace Committee, saying, “We thought we could all go home once hands were shaken, but to our surprise, everyone from the media to political figures asked us to stay. Our job was not done.” He reminded the audience of the necessity for peace in Nigeria’s political processes, emphasizing that it is not enough to call for peace with words alone it must be demonstrated through actions.

Bishop Kukah, speaking directly to the people of Edo, stressed the importance of peaceful elections:
“Edo elections will come and go. They will be peaceful. There may be debates, as there should be because debates open up the democratic space for everyone to be heard. But remember, this is your state, your home. If violence is created, you will all go back to your homes, but the scars of that violence will remain.”
His message was a firm reminder to both candidates and voters that politics should not sow division and that the future of the state depends on the choices and actions of all its citizens. He urged politicians to approach elections with a sense of sportsmanship, likening the process to a competitive match where the outcome must be respected.

“People lose matches and feel bad, but they still go to the net and shake hands. Politicians too must learn to accept defeat graciously for the good of the country. We elect you not for you to enjoy on our behalf, but to make life better for all of us.”

As the 2024 Edo Governorship Election approaches, Bishop Kukah called on Edolites to value peace, recognizing the sacrifices of security agents, INEC officials, and other election stakeholders who work tirelessly to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.