…Caution Politicians on Hate Speech, Attacks at Campaigns.
By John Nwokocha
Abuja
As preparations for the October 10 Ondo state governorship election, stakeholders converged on Akure, capital of Ondo state to articulate on ways to ensure that the poll is transparent and credible agreed to work towards a peaceful election.
The call by participants at a one day meeting organized by the Centre for Transparency and Advocacy in Akure is contained in a communiqué signed by Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of CTA.
The meeting with a theme: “Towards a peaceful and credible October 10th Governorship Election in Ondo State” had in attendance, security personnel, youth and women groups, Persons With Disability, the media, the Civil Society Organizations, among others.
The participants according to Nwadishi also agreed to work towards synergizing and partnering with citizens and critical stakeholders for a credible, free and fair election in Ondo State.
CTA arrived at this after various advocacy visits around Akure and held meeting with critical agencies such as the National Orientation Agency and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Participants at the event commended INEC on the series of training it has conducted for security agencies and consultation with other stakeholders on the electoral process, and for issuing in a timely manner guideline for the conduct of the election in the context of Covid-19 pandemic.
Also, the participants commended the National Orientation Agency for grass root penetration and voter education, the security agencies on their diligence in ensuring adequate security.
Expressing concern over use of hate speech and attacks at campaigns by politicians the participants said these are precursors to violence.
They warn that the health challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic might lead to voter apathy.
They expressed fear over the following: That Health Personnel may not be deployed at polling centers and units on Election Day
That there might be late commencement of voting on Election Day
That security personnel may not be deployed timeously and adequately
That security personnel might be encumbered and overwhelmed if they combine security and That thugs are emboldened to snatch ballot boxes because security agencies at the polling units are not allowed to carry arms.
Expressing worry that political parties and actors show disregard for the Electoral Act and the electoral processes, the stakeholders therefore resolved that: Security agencies should be strict and decisive by calling politicians to order while political parties should sign a peace accord and make a commitment towards a peaceful election and failure to do so; relevant security agencies should prosecute those found culpable. That INEC should collaborate with health personnel to ensure the protection and safety of voters and election workers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also, participants recommended as follows:
The judiciary should take responsibility in collaboration with INEC to train their officers to help the electoral process.
That there should be reforms and modification of our relevant laws, in particular, the Electoral Act
That citizens and stakeholders must work together and support INEC for a credible election and must begin to demand accountability from those they have voted for
INEC should continue with the prosecution of electoral officers who go contrary to their mandates
Security agencies should arrest and prosecute unauthorized persons found with prohibited firearms. There should be no sacred cows.
Civil Society Organizations should remain a watchdog and not be compromised.
