Politics
CVR: Group Solicits NASS’ Support For INEC
Centre For Liberty has solicited the support of the National Assembly and stakeholders for the success of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) by the Independent National Electoral Commission commencing today.
The group in a statement by its Co-Convener, Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye, in Abuja yesterday, said stakeholders’ support was necessary considering the security concern raised by INEC.
He said citizens’ participation in the electoral process was necessary for the protection and sustenance of the democratic space hence.
Atoye also called on the National Assembly to immediately pass the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to encourage citizen involvement.
“We sympathise with INEC over the safety concern it raised about staff and equipment as the commission commences the CVR exercise.
“At a time the country is faced with increased level of insecurity, we urge all stakeholders and the communities to do everything possible to protect the staff and equipment of INEC and ensure the success of the CVR.
“The immediate approval of a new Electoral Act by the political leadership can inspire public confidence in the CVR and ensure people’s ownership of the electoral process, and by extension translate into community protection for INEC ‘s staff and equipment.
“While the failure of the political leadership to approve a new electoral act since 2018, has brought about increased trust deficit in the electoral space and increased voter apathy, the 9th National Assembly must urgently pass the Electoral Bill for a quick assent by the president.
“Voter apathy, as witnessed during the 2019 general election and in the recent off-cycle elections, creates distrusts in the system and weakens the people’s resolve to guarantee general support for public institutions and equipment.
“Since electoral reforms now represent a major Citizens Charter of Demand to the National Assembly for good governance, the passage of the Electoral Act 2021 would significantly help to galvanise the populace to be fully involved in the CVR exercise and prepare adequately for new elections.
“Assuring Nigerians of free, fair and credible elections through the passage of the Electoral Bill will further reawaken the hope of people who have already given up on the system and also put Nigeria on the map of countries committed to a transparent electoral system,” Atoye said.
INEC has scheduled June 28 for the commencement of online registration for the CVR and July 19 for the commencement of physical registration of eligible registrants at its local governments and states offices across the country.
The commission, however, said the security situation would determine the date for the commencement of physical registration at its designated centres across the country.
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.
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