Politics
2015 Polls: Nigeria, Canada Partner For Credible Elections
The Canadian government has said it is set to
partner with the Nigerian government to promote credible elections ahead of
Nigeria’s 2015 elections.
Mr. Jean-Paul Ruszkowski, President, Parliamentary
Centre, Canada, said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday after a
roundtable with leaders of major political parties.
Ruszkowski said that the aim of the meeting with leaders
of major political parties was to work out modalities on how to set up a
Canadian Parliamentary Centre that would enhance Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The purpose of the visit is to learn about how Nigeria
is progressing in its democratic practices; how the federal system in Nigeria
works.
“And through that process explore, with the help of the
party leaders, to understand the priorities; what will bring all parties
together to conduct a project that will be of use to Nigeria.
“Be it in the field of
budgetary oversight, in the field of public accounts, security or
natural resources or whatever sector is identified by the parliamentarians as
high priority.
“We have been to several countries over the years, so we
are in the position to help.
“We are just starting the conversation and the whole
idea is to build confidence between the citizens and governments and political
parties so when the elections come there will be no doubt about how
representative the election will be.’’
Ruszkowski added that the Canadian Parliamentary Centre
worked with legislatures of 31 African countries to “help them better serve
their people”.
Also speaking, Sen. Ben Obi, Presidential Adviser,
Inter-Party Affairs, said several meetings with legislative leaders, INEC and
the Canadian Parliamentary Centre would be held.
Obi added that the meetings would map out strategies on
improving Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Tide gather that he (Ruszkowski) may have held
meeting with the Senate President, the Speaker and some leaders of the National
Assembly; and as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
To round off the visit, he would have also had meeting
with Prof. Attahiru Jega all on how to further improve the electoral process of
our country.
“We’ve had a robust discussion with our leaders here on how to build formidable internal democracy in our parties and how the parties can work hand-in-gloves with legislators in the National Assembly to make democracy more at home with us.
“Our aim is to have the Canadian Parliamentary Centre
established here in Nigeria and because they have been functional in 31 African
countries and Nigeria is not there yet. “So we intend that this visit is the
beginning of how that centre can be established here in due course.’’
Sen. Obi added that Nigeria’s participation in the
Canadian Parliamentary Centre would enhance capacity building of
parliamentarians.
He said that through the setting up of the centre,
Nigeria would enjoy better inter-party cooperation.
“I believe that parties must work together; they must
interact and share ideas so it is not every time that they are on the pages of
the newspapers attacking one another,” he said.
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.