Politics
Count Down To April Polls: Mixed Reactions Greet Voting System
Five days to the commencement of voting, mixed reactions have continued to greet the decision last week by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt the Modified Open Ballot Voting System (MOBVS) for the April 2011 general elections.
Reacting to the development, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and the Progressive Action Congress (PAC) commended INEC for introducing the MOBVS arguing that the pattern would ensure security, accountability and stem electoral malpractices during the elections. In separate interviews, the Aba chapter chairman of CLO, Mr. Ifeanyi Onwuneme and National chairman of PAC, Chief Charles Nwodo said apart from checking irregularities, the system would guarantee the right and independence of voters to secretly make their choice of candidates.
Chief Nwodo, however said that the method could only be successful if INEC officials and other bodies entrusted with conducting the elections did it with integrity and sincerity, noting that the system used in the June 12 , 1993 elections was widely acclaimed the freest election and that the adoption of the modified version would curb election rigging.
The NOA Director in Kaduna, Alhaji Galadima Soba, on Sunday called on Nigerians to ensure a hitch free general elections.
Briefing newsmen in Kaduna, Soba said politics was not a do-or-die affair and that Nigeria should not capitalise on it to express bitterness against one another.
“Political difference is ideal because it brings out the best in us.”
Soba said that political parties were essentially platforms, which people use to achieve political ambitions and “not a licence for violence”.
He called on parents to ensure that their children were not used by “unscrupulous politicians”.
The director said there were institutional mechanism for complaints and redress that politicians were encouraged to explore instead of inciting violence in the society.
Soba said that NOA had embarked on enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians against violent that could derail the young democracy.
He said the Agency had printed handbills, posters, almanac and flyers containing symbols of the 63 registered political parties to enlighten people on the parties.
He said the materials would enable people to know the party to vote for avoid unnecessary invalidation of ballot papers.
Soba said that the modified open ballot system introduced by INEC would ensure a free and fair election in the country.
He, however, expressed delight at the change of pattern of political campaigns and rallies in some parts of the country, as many candidates had adopted the use of the media.
“Nowadays, many candidates prefer to disseminate their manifestoes through the radio, television and newspapers, and this is a positive development,” he said.
He added that the use of the media had helped immensely in stemming the violence often witnessed during campaigns.
In his view, the chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Alhaji Sama’ila Maizare expressed skepticism about the use of the system, describing it as “scary”.
Maizare said that recent developments in the electoral process such as replacement of candidates and the non-registration of some eligible Nigerians due to time constraint, could create hitches for the exercise.
He argued that the system could discourage people from voting because Nigerians often want to keep secret candidates of their choice and that is a negation of democracy.
Meanwhile, INEC has promised to use the Modified Open Ballot System (MOBVS) and streamline security agencies and change any REC found wanting during the elections.
Amieyeofori Ibim
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.