#NACOPPIN2023: EMERGENCY AND URGENT APPEALS TO INEC
SPIRALING ELECTORAL VIOLENCE: WHY INEC AND THE SECURITY OUTFITS MUST ACT NOW
Those who walk up to the Temple of Justice must have all their fingers clean, it is even more so for those who wish to govern or preside over the running of Nigeria: to kill or maim one’s intended populace to be led is a crime against humanity.
On Saturday February 25, 2023, the whole world was appalled at the level of violence and interference with the democratic processes in the 2023 Presidential election, in several parts of the country, especially in States governed by the Party in power at the Federal level. What had always been speculated and dismissed as untenable, became a truism. Bands of thugs, mostly above the late 20s, and the middle 30s, had been recruited, trained and equipped, to stop supporters of opposing political parties from access to polling booths, and were they had already voted, all materials used for the voting must be confiscated, seized and burnt, to destroy exhibits of elections. Even trenches were dug up to prevent vehicular movements. Why would those who believe that in the periods they administered Nigeria or any of it’s federating units, were above board in the discharge of the constitutional responsibilities they swore to undertake, have no reason to fret or intimidate other competitors from reaching out to the electorate. It is worse when they use violent means to achieve their goals. It is in this light that the events that took place in parts of Lagos State, Kogi, Rivers, Imo and Abia States must be condemned.
INEC RESPONSIBILITIES
Whereas INEC has taken up the issues as reported with the Security agencies, especially the Military, the Commission should delay remedial elections in those areas sufficiently for the emplacement of counter terror and violent forces, that will ensure and guarantee the peaceful conduct of elections and the declaration of results. These remedies are owed Nigerians who reside in these places, in line with the public pronouncements of the Federal Government.
The Office of the Minister of Justice, and Attorney General of the Federation need to follow these reports, rapidly prosecute identified offenders based on the Rule of Law, to deter others, who may still be induced to commit such crimes in future.
A stitch in time saves nine!
