Ahead of the nation’s scheduled general elections beginning from February 16, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation is bringing together stakeholders from all over Africa for a one-day conference to discuss ways of preventing election-related violence on the continent.
The conference which theme is ‘Peaceful Elections and National Development’ will be chaired by Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, former head of state and chairman of the National Peace Committee. It is scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday February 7, 2019.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Acting Director-General of the Foundation Mr. David Akuta explained that the programme is in line with GJF’s mission of striving to consolidate democracy and peaceful political transitions in Africa. According to him, participants would be discussing the measures that would bring about peaceful conduct of 2019 elections in Nigeria and other African countries.
He noted that eminent personalities like Bishop Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener National Peace Committee of Nigeria, Professor Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as Mr. Fidele Sarassoro, Chief of Staff to the President of Cote d’Ivoire will serve as the key speakers at the event.
Mr. Akuta stressed that the conference is necessary because many African countries are due for general and legislative elections in 2019, adding it would seek to proffer useful propositions in the effort to find solutions to the crisis that often characterize political transitions in Africa.
He said further: “Consistent with the mandate of the Foundation and building on the political philosophy of its Founder, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, participants are expected to bring forth ideas on how to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections and resolution of disputes/conflicts that may threaten peace, security and stability of the nation, thus leading to peaceful transition outcomes.
“Participants are drawn from a cross-section of relevant stakeholders, which include former Heads of State and Government, crisis management experts, diplomatic corps, international development partners, political parties, traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, academia, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), youth and women groups, trade unions and the media.”
