Activist Lauds FG On Election Offences Tribunal

Mr Chris Ukaegbu, a Human Right Activist, has lauded the Federal Government on the decision to establish a Special Election Offences Tribunal.

Ukaegbu told  newsmen  in Nsukka, Enugu State on Thursday that the decision to establish the tribunal had shown the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan towards strengthening Nigerian’s democracy.

He said, “Jonathan has exhibited the political will to protect and strengthen the country’s nascent democracy.

“The tribunal will make perpetrators of election violence and other offences to desist from their nefarious activities or face the wrath of the law.

“Election violence has become a threat to Nigerian’s democracy. It has tarnished the image of this country in the international community.”

The activist urged the government to ensure that all those, who were involved in election violence, faced justice, no matter how highly placed.

He said, “The election violence tribunal members should strive to give cases brought before them accelerated hearing.

“The Federal Government should ensure that thos to be appointed into the tribunal are men and women of proven integrity and good track records.

Ukaegbu urged the government not to use the tribunal to witch-hunt the opposition or settle political scores with political party opponents

He said, “Government should resist the temptation of using the tribunal to settle political scores. The tribunal if well handled will bring to an end spate of election violence pervading the polity.