Former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, on Wednesday tasked Nigerians to take full advantage of the current democratic environment to ensure sustainable development of the nation.

Wayas, who chaired a plenary session at the on-going National Conference on Electoral Processes in Nigeria, warned that the opportunity this time around, must not be squandered.

The conference is being organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wayas emphasized that democracy had always been the desire of Nigerians, who laboured vigorously to develop it as a culture.

The National Commissioner of INEC (Operations), Prince Adedeji Soyebi, said that the challenges posed by the 2007 general elections had afforded the commission, the opportunity to develop a blue print for free and fair elections in the future.

He said it was important for INEC to be independent “financially, operationally and constitutionally”, to ensure success in the 2011 general elections.

He added however that the commission was doing its best to put needed logistics in place for 2011.

Soyebi said that plans were on to ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora were given the opportunity to exercise their civic right to vote during elections.

Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, in his presentation, called for an attitudinal change on the part of stake- holders, as a starting point for a durable electoral system.

Onovo, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General (Operations), Mr. John Amodu called for a high level inter-agency collaboration, to put an end to electoral violence in Nigeria.

According to him, “political parties determine the weight of electoral machinery and occurrences; therefore, they must cooperate with security operatives by ensuring internal orderliness and peace.’’

Onovo also urged candidates to align with their parties’ ideals and promote sportsmanship, tolerance and good disposition to electoral results.

He, however, urged INEC, as an umpire, to promote high level transparency and commitment.   

“It is important for INEC to take strict caution in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” he emphasised.

Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, who examined the role of civil society groups and the media in electoral processes,  described them as “central partners and critical sections of the society.’’

According to him, the role played by the duo in the restoration of democracy in the nation is legendary.

Ozekhome urged civil society groups to be more vibrant in their operations while the Press must remain steadfast as the conscience of the people.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mrs Nkoyo Toyo stressed the need for proper voter education, which was crucial in the electoral process, especially in a volatile environment like Nigeria.

Toyo emphasised that voter education was the main responsibility of political parties and also an oversight duty of INEC.

She urged political parties to ensure internal democracy so as to ensure more citizens’ participation in politics.