By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Kaduna State Peace Commission is set to engage various stakeholders in a peace-building process aimed at guaranteeing a violence-free 2023 elections.
The Commission's Vice Chairman, Dr Saleh Momale, saiid at a Press Conference in Kaduna that the Commission has already been engaging various groups for the rancour-free elections.
Dr Saleh drew the attention of the Kaduna public to the unfolding electioneering campaigns and the National Population and Housing Census and appealed to them to ensure that the process are free from all forms of intimidation and violence.
He maintained that in Collaboration with sister MDA's in the state, the commission has faced headon the various threats to peaceful coexistence among the diverse Communities in this pursuit, there were several interventions to resolve the conflicts in the parts of Zangon Kataf,Kaura Kauru,Jema'a,and Kajuru local government Areas.
Dr Saleh further explain that, "the commission is optimistic that the ongoing dialogue and Peace processes in Atyap,Chawai,Piriga,Kumana ,Afan-Takad,Zikpak,and Nikyob Chiefdoms will soon restore these areas.
The Commission Vice Chairman noted that "to the path of sustainable peace,the periodic conflicts in some Communities of Sanga, Jema'a, Kauru, Kajuru and lgabi local government Areas are being addressed through dialogue and engagement with key community gatekeepers.
He maintained that the Early warning Early Response system set up in the commission even though not optimally utilized,has helped in identifying the threats to peace, similarly the active collaboration between the commission and Security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services and Nigerian Security and Civil defense Corps has resulted in effective prevention of violent conflicts he said.
He said "the Commission working with Bureau of lnterfaith and various CSO's and development partners.l acknowledge the technical and financial support of the United Nations development programme (UNDP) the United States institute of Peace (USIP) the States Agency for lnternational development (USAID), Mercy Corps and the west African Network for Peace building (WANEP)for their technical and financial support.
"The Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, local government Chairmen, Faith-Based organizations,the Media and so many other organizations and individuals are appreciated for the cooperation in our collective efforts to resolve all disputes using non-violent dialogue and negotiations."