The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, a civil society organization, has voiced its concerns over several critical issues in the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
At a press conference held in Uyo, the organization’s Director-General, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, made reference to key areas that require urgent attention to ensure a transparent, free, and fair electoral process.
Speaking at the event, Mr Gabriel stated, “Election is not an event; it is a process. This process takes effect from the date the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes public the election timetable for the governorship election.”
He stated that the electoral process is ongoing and that it is essential to monitor the activities of all stakeholders, including INEC, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary, to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
Mr Gabriel stressed the importance of impartiality and neutrality from INEC, noting that all eligible voters, particularly those who registered during the Continuous Voters Registration, CVR, exercise, must receive their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, promptly.
“INEC’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the electoral process is a fundamental requirement for the success of the election on the 21st of September,” he said.
The Centre also called on law enforcement agencies, including the police, State Security Service, SSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the military, to refrain from harassing law-abiding citizens involved in legitimate election activities.
“Their role should be to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the electoral process, without fear or favor,” Mr Gabriel stated.
Expressing concern over the judiciary’s role in the electoral process, Mr Gabriel noted the “flagrant abuse of court processes with conflicting court orders being issued indiscriminately”.
He urged the judiciary to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, and to resist any attempt by desperate politicians to manipulate the system.
“The judiciary must remain independent and vigilant in its pursuit of justice, free from any external influences, especially by desperate politicians,” he added.
Mr Gabriel further warned against plans by certain individuals to use security agencies to manipulate the election results, describing such actions as “unacceptable.”
He called on the relevant authorities to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those intending to commit such offenses.
The Centre also condemned any plot to arrest or detain individuals on baseless grounds to keep them away from the election environment until after the election.
He also warned against voter inducement, including the buying and selling of votes.
“Perpetrators of such practices should be swiftly arrested and brought to justice,” Dr. Gabriel stated.
The Centre also condemned the recruitment of youths for election thuggery, ballot box snatching, and electoral violence.
“As a coalition of rights organizations, we remain firm in ensuring that things are done right to reflect the wishes of Edo electorates in the coming election,” Mr Gabriel declared.
He further warned that the coalition would not hesitate to reach out to international bodies, such as the US and EU embassies, to impose visa restrictions on politicians, state agents, and electoral offenders who engage in such practices.
To ensure a smooth electoral process, the Centre called on network service providers like MTN, Glo Mobile, and Airtel to ensure uninterrupted service in Edo State throughout the election period.
“They must refrain from any form of sabotage that could hinder the effectiveness and proper function of the BVAS, an Android technology deployed by INEC for the authentication and accreditation of eligible electorates in Edo State,” Dr. Gabriel said.
Mr Gabriel appealed to all stakeholders, including INEC, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and network service providers, to adhere to the rules set forth in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022.
“It is only through the collective adherence to these principles that we can ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Edo State. We believe that a new Nigeria is possible,” he added.
