Chinedum Elekwachi
The Anambra Peace Mediation Committee of the Kingpact Development Initiative (KDI) has solicited partnership with Department of State Services (DSS), Anambra State Command as part of efforts to strengthen synergy towards a peaceful and credible 2025 governorship election in the state.
KDI representative and team lead, Mrs. Ugochi Freeman who made the appeal during a courtesy visit said the visit was part of ongoing advocacy to foster partnerships among critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and election preparedness.
“Our goal is to work together and forge a common front that promotes harmony and trust among political actors, security agencies, and citizens,” she stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Anambra State Chapter, and a member of the committee, Ven Emma Nweke emphasised that the group is non-partisan committed to ensuring a violence-free electoral process.
“We are a peace-driven committee mandated to collaborate with key institutions like the DSS because of their strategic intelligence role.
“Saving lives and preserving peace before, during, and after the elections is our collective mission,” he added.
Trust building
Another member of the committee, Prof Jaja Nwanegbo explained that the KDI Peace and Mediation Working Committee comprises civil society actors who are actively engaging communities to build trust and prevent conflict.
He also announced the group’s plan to host a Peace Summit that would bring together stakeholders across Anambra State to reaffirm their commitment to peace during the forthcoming election.
Responding, Director of DSS, Victor Akeh commended the committee’s proactive efforts, describing their intervention as timely given the rising political activities in the state.
“Most of the issues heating up the polity at this point come from the supporters of political candidates,” Mr. Akeh observed.
“Election management goes beyond election day but starts before, continues during, and extends after the polls.
“We have noticed challenges such as defacing of billboards, hate speech, and the spread of fake news. These are the little things that can snowball into crises if not properly managed.”
He stressed that peace and stability were essential for development and urged political actors and their supporters to maintain decorum during campaigns.
Acrimony stalls development
Akeh said, “There is no development in rancour and acrimony,” he noted. “There must always be winners and losers, and our collective responsibility is to ensure that everyone plays by the rules.”
Akeh reaffirmed the DSS’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Peace Mediation Committee, especially in intelligence sharing. He described proactive intelligence as vital to ensuring early response and building public confidence.
“Working together allows us to identify potential flashpoints and address them before they escalate. That’s how we ensure a safer and more peaceful Anambra,” he added.
The meeting was attended by senior DSS officers, including the Deputy Director of Security, Mr. Augustine Saleh Amtagu, and the Assistant Director, Intelligence, Mrs. Rachael Osayi.
