By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
In less than two weeks time eligible voters will cast their votes for the presidential election, a coming exercise that compiled prominent Nigerians appeal for Peaceful and Credible conduct of the election.
In a statement
jointly signed under the umbrella of Nigerian Working Group on Peacebuilding and Governance by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Prof. Attahiru Jega and Ambassador Fatima Balla, the group said peace leads to progress.
Other members of the group are, Dr. Nguyan Feese, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Dr. Aisha Murtala Muhammed – Oyebode and Dr. Chris Kwaja said the members of the Working Group on Peacebuilding and Governance in Nigeria, composed of civic and religious leaders, wish to lend their voices to this important, exciting and naturally tension-filled period.
While calling on Nigerians to prepare well in casting their franchise right on the coming Saturday 25th February 2023 presidential election, the group said
one of the most monumental markers of any democracy that citizens will exercise their rights and responsibilities to choose their next president, Governors and Legislators.
The group therefore, said Nigeria’s 24 years of restored democracy amidst multiparty constitutional rule there is every good reason to be proud of the democracy gains.
“Our country has made remarkable progress toward strengthening and consolidating our democracy.
“Just as in 2015, we achieved the country’s first- ever peaceful presidential transition from an incumbent to an opposition candidate, the 2023 election provides yet another opportunity for a peaceful transition of power through a credible process. We are however concerned about worrying signs that our democratic culture is still plagued by major challenges.” They said
They however, expressed worries that politicians with vested interest are deploying undemocratic tactics to plaque the country into confusion as there are significant signs.
“There are significant signs that many in the political class are still deploying violence and purveying fake, hate and dangerous messages.
“The culture of vote buying remains a significant threat to the ability of citizens to vote for credible and competent candidates in spite of the on-going currency change crisis which might make citizens even more vulnerable to inducement.
“The political, social and economic environment in the country is being poisoned by ill timed policy measures such as the Naira redesign policy and rising tension between the Presidency, the Central Bank and State Governors while the cash crunch is crippling the economy and increasing hardship.The National Working Group is concerned about the dangers posed by the anti-social and anti-democratic actions of some of the political actors and calls on citizens to be even more determined in working towards defending the peoples’ right to a free, fair and credible election.
“We call on all election stakeholders to remain vigilant in ensuring that we have peaceful and credible electoral outcomes determined by the choice of citizens.” The statement read
They also called on stakeholders of Nigeria election to as a matter of urgency ensure that the elections are held in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and based on the country’s common respect for every citizen’s humanity and for the country’s democracy.
“INEC, the political parties and their supporters, and Nigeria’s security forces have a special responsibility in the period leading up to the elections, during the voting, and in the aftermath.
“Political candidates, party officials, and supporters must avoid behavior and actions that would undermine the credibility of the electoral process or lead to a breach of peace.
“Security agencies must uphold the principles of professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights at all times in the discharge of their duties.
“Citizens must ensure that in making their choices, they remain focused on the competence and integrity of candidates not the inducement some of them may offer.” The statement further read
