Politics
2023: Credible Elections’ll Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy –UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has asserted that credible, transparent elections will help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote good governance.
Chief Technical Advisor, Elections of the body, Mr Deryck Fritz made the assertion Monday at a one day workshop tagged: “2023 General Election: Capacity Building Workshop for Voter Education Providers” held in Calabar.
Fritz said that elections can only be adjudged as credible, free and fair when voters fully and freely participate in the electoral processes.
He maintained that the essence of the workshop was for the people to be properly informed and guided on the electoral process for them to make informed choices.
His words: “The outcome of a well organised elections will be viewed as legitimate and thus, the social contract and the resulting governance are strengthened.
“We are aware that democratic elections can contribute to the advancement of Nigeria development aspirations and this can only be possible if voters can participate fully and freely in the electoral process.
“To do this, citizens must have the information at their disposal that can facilitate their choice of representatives.”
Speaking further , he stressed that credible voters education would assist to counter disinformation, reduce the number of void votes, build trust and credibility in the entire process.
On his part, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the commission enjoys more public confidence because of the technology deployed in recent polls.
The Chairman, represented by Deputy Director, Voters Education and Publicity, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ogboaja, said that INEC hopes to build on this, going into the 2023 general elections.
He maintained that the enhanced technology coupled with the amended electoral law, has made it impossible for anybody, including staff of the commission, to manipulate the process.
“What we are trying to reduce now is the number of invalid ballots as public confidence in the commission has improved.
“The whole process will be in a mess if there is no confidence in the system,” he said.
In his remarks, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Cross River, Dr Johnson Alalibo enjoined the participants to apply their experience in the workshop to ensure Nigerian voters are abreast with the guidelines on voting during elections.
“It is my belief that this training inspires ideas and discussions around the ways to effectively educate the Nigerian voter,” he said.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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.
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