By Juliana Francis
As citizens of Anambra State prepare to go to the polls tomorrow and cast their votes for their gubernatorial candidates, the Civil Liberty Organisation(CLO), a nongovernmental organization has charged security agents and INEC, to do everything within the ambit of the law to make the election free and fair.
Addressing journalists at Ikeja recently over these issues, CLO’s Executive Director, Comrade, Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, said that CLO was seriously concerned about the clear signs that the Anambra State Governorship election tomorrow, November 16, might not meet the standards of free, fair and violence-free election that would reflect the popular democratic will of the people and residents of Anambra State.
According to him: “We are worried about the highly charged, tensed and contentious atmosphere in which political parties have been conducting their electoral campaigns. The bitter rivalry, accusations, counter accusations and petty mudslinging between and among contending parties, altogether, present a frightening foreboding that all may not go well come Saturday, the day of the election.
“To start with, the tragic November 2, 2013 Holy Ghost Adoration crusade stampede at Uke, Anambra State that resulted in the unfortunate death of about 30 worshipers had become a basis for partisan political brickbat and quest to gain political advantage rather than a cause for genuine concern with a focus on finding out what happened so as to ensure accountability and redress and measures to avert such avoidable tragedy in the future.
“The allegation that some political parties are sewing fake police, military and NYSC uniforms so as to disguise and commit fraud and/or violence on Election Day is a clear dangerous sign of desperation.”
Ezike explained that the troubling report that a local government council Caretaker Committee Chairman was arrested and detained by the police in Anambra for being found with fake electoral materials was illustrative of the high level of desperation among politicians, adding that the emergency formation and use of rogue groups by some political parties to endorse their candidates was another notable evidence of desperation.
“We have taken particular note of one – ‘G8 Rights Group –which claims to be a coalition of eight civil society organisations ‘engaging the electoral processes in Anambra state. But their partisan posture is hardly veiled considering their prejudiced commentaries and activities,” said Ezike. “What clearly exposes their hypocrisy and portrays them as dubious- and this is our major concern- is their recent issuing of a ‘public statement’ in which they included my name as a signatory without my knowledge and consent.”
Ezike said that the statement, brazenly defended the APGA governorship candidate on the unresolved allegation of double registration. The group in the statement had also poured invectives on candidates of other political parties.
“CLO cannot dabble into such partisan misadventure. The shameful practice whereby some self-acclaimed CSO groups driven by profit offer their platforms for partisan campaign in favour of particular political parties while insulting others will do grave damage to the image of human rights and other civil society organisations in Nigeria,” said Ezike.
He continued: “We have also noted the resort by some politicians to procure individuals or groups to impersonate as leaders or spokespersons of existing groups and purporting to have endorsed their party candidates. Few days ago, one Chief Nnaemeka Okeke claiming to be ‘MASSOB/BLF Director of Communication’ issued a statement claiming that MASSOB had endorsed APGA and urging Anambra people to vote for the party for the sake of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Emeka Ojukwu. The next day, and to our chagrin, the MASSOB leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, issued a counter statement disowning both the statement and its author, stating unequivocally that MASSOB is not partisan and has not endorsed any political party. MASSOB actually stated that there is no such designation in MASSOB called ‘Director of Communication’ but Director of Information.
“Another worrisome dimension of this desperation is the apparent misuse and abusive deployment of security forces against political opponents and perceived enemies. This is illustrated by the report of the brutal attack on MASSOB members in Onitsha by members of a joint security task force a day after MASSOB disowned the claims by the impostor who claimed to be speaking for MASSOB.
“This is a very disturbing and condemnable development which underscores the need to define the rules of engagement by the police and other security agents who will be involved in the Anambra elections. Security and law enforcement authorities must ensure that their operatives who will be on election duty maintain neutrality, non partisanship, impartiality and professionalism.”
Ezike said that many political parties which fielded candidates for the Anambra election had expressed doubts about the integrity of some INEC officials assigned to supervise the Anambra election. Some of them had been identified and pointed out as card-carrying members of political parties whose activities in the past disqualify them from being appointed as impartial electoral umpires. He said that INEC should urgently respond to this widespread concern.
Spokesman for NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma who was at the press briefing, urged INEC and security agencies to investigate allegations raised by concerned members of the public in Anambra State.
Nwanguma further said: “Noting the widespread expression of doubts- across party lines- about the independence and integrity of the Anambra State REC and other INEC officials assigned to oversee the election, and the fears that they may not guarantee free and fair elections; Considering that all the foregoing are clear indicators which altogether raise legitimate fears that fraud and violence may mar the Anambra governorship election: we call on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to take expedient measures to ensure that the November 16, 2013 Anambra State Governorship election is peaceful, credible and reflects the democratic will of the Anambra electorate.
“NOPRIN calls on INEC to replicate the strategy it employed in the stiffly contested Imo State Supplementary elections of 2011 by deploying one special Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to each of the three Senatorial Zones in Anambra to administer the polls in the respective Senatorial Zones.
“The phone numbers of the RECs should be made available before the election day to election observers/ monitors, voters and the public to enable them make complaints through phone calls or SMS in the event of any disruption of the voting process, infraction of the electoral law or misconduct by electoral or security officials, party agents, supporters or any person or group who may attempt to interfere with or disrupt the voting process. The RECs will be able to promptly intervene by communicating such reports with INEC officials at the particular polling booths or call the attention of INEC headquarters and/or security authorities for immediate intervention.
“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police is hereby called upon to also deploy one AIG to each of the three Senatorial Zones to oversee security in the respective zones. They will also receive complaints about any security breach or misconduct by security officials on election duty in their respective zones. The dedicated mobile phone numbers of the AIGs should also be made available to observers and members of the public for complaints about any incident through SMS and phone calls for immediate intervention. We believe that these proposed measures, as has been demonstrated in Imo State, will help to douse tension, build confidence and enhance the security and credibility of the polls.
“INEC and the police must also put in place effective measures that will ensure that electoral offenders are arrested and promptly charged and prosecuted in appropriate courts to send a clear signal that impunity for electoral banditry, vote rigging and any act that subverts the expression of the people’s democratic will shall no longer be tolerated- if our unstable democracy must be strengthened.
INEC and the Police must demonstrate their commitment to the credibility of the November 16, 2013 Anambra polls.”
By Juliana Francis
As citizens of Anambra State prepare to go to the polls tomorrow and cast their votes for their gubernatorial candidates, the Civil Liberty Organisation(CLO), a nongovernmental organization has charged security agents and INEC, to do everything within the ambit of the law to make the election free and fair.
Addressing journalists at Ikeja recently over these issues, CLO’s Executive Director, Comrade, Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, said that CLO was seriously concerned about the clear signs that the Anambra State Governorship election tomorrow, November 16, might not meet the standards of free, fair and violence-free election that would reflect the popular democratic will of the people and residents of Anambra State.
According to him: “We are worried about the highly charged, tensed and contentious atmosphere in which political parties have been conducting their electoral campaigns. The bitter rivalry, accusations, counter accusations and petty mudslinging between and among contending parties, altogether, present a frightening foreboding that all may not go well come Saturday, the day of the election.
“To start with, the tragic November 2, 2013 Holy Ghost Adoration crusade stampede at Uke, Anambra State that resulted in the unfortunate death of about 30 worshipers had become a basis for partisan political brickbat and quest to gain political advantage rather than a cause for genuine concern with a focus on finding out what happened so as to ensure accountability and redress and measures to avert such avoidable tragedy in the future.
“The allegation that some political parties are sewing fake police, military and NYSC uniforms so as to disguise and commit fraud and/or violence on Election Day is a clear dangerous sign of desperation.”
Ezike explained that the troubling report that a local government council Caretaker Committee Chairman was arrested and detained by the police in Anambra for being found with fake electoral materials was illustrative of the high level of desperation among politicians, adding that the emergency formation and use of rogue groups by some political parties to endorse their candidates was another notable evidence of desperation.
“We have taken particular note of one – ‘G8 Rights Group –which claims to be a coalition of eight civil society organisations ‘engaging the electoral processes in Anambra state. But their partisan posture is hardly veiled considering their prejudiced commentaries and activities,” said Ezike. “What clearly exposes their hypocrisy and portrays them as dubious- and this is our major concern- is their recent issuing of a ‘public statement’ in which they included my name as a signatory without my knowledge and consent.”
Ezike said that the statement, brazenly defended the APGA governorship candidate on the unresolved allegation of double registration. The group in the statement had also poured invectives on candidates of other political parties.
“CLO cannot dabble into such partisan misadventure. The shameful practice whereby some self-acclaimed CSO groups driven by profit offer their platforms for partisan campaign in favour of particular political parties while insulting others will do grave damage to the image of human rights and other civil society organisations in Nigeria,” said Ezike.
He continued: “We have also noted the resort by some politicians to procure individuals or groups to impersonate as leaders or spokespersons of existing groups and purporting to have endorsed their party candidates. Few days ago, one Chief Nnaemeka Okeke claiming to be ‘MASSOB/BLF Director of Communication’ issued a statement claiming that MASSOB had endorsed APGA and urging Anambra people to vote for the party for the sake of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Emeka Ojukwu. The next day, and to our chagrin, the MASSOB leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, issued a counter statement disowning both the statement and its author, stating unequivocally that MASSOB is not partisan and has not endorsed any political party. MASSOB actually stated that there is no such designation in MASSOB called ‘Director of Communication’ but Director of Information.
“Another worrisome dimension of this desperation is the apparent misuse and abusive deployment of security forces against political opponents and perceived enemies. This is illustrated by the report of the brutal attack on MASSOB members in Onitsha by members of a joint security task force a day after MASSOB disowned the claims by the impostor who claimed to be speaking for MASSOB.
“This is a very disturbing and condemnable development which underscores the need to define the rules of engagement by the police and other security agents who will be involved in the Anambra elections. Security and law enforcement authorities must ensure that their operatives who will be on election duty maintain neutrality, non partisanship, impartiality and professionalism.”
Ezike said that many political parties which fielded candidates for the Anambra election had expressed doubts about the integrity of some INEC officials assigned to supervise the Anambra election. Some of them had been identified and pointed out as card-carrying members of political parties whose activities in the past disqualify them from being appointed as impartial electoral umpires. He said that INEC should urgently respond to this widespread concern.
Spokesman for NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma who was at the press briefing, urged INEC and security agencies to investigate allegations raised by concerned members of the public in Anambra State.
Nwanguma further said: “Noting the widespread expression of doubts- across party lines- about the independence and integrity of the Anambra State REC and other INEC officials assigned to oversee the election, and the fears that they may not guarantee free and fair elections; Considering that all the foregoing are clear indicators which altogether raise legitimate fears that fraud and violence may mar the Anambra governorship election: we call on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to take expedient measures to ensure that the November 16, 2013 Anambra State Governorship election is peaceful, credible and reflects the democratic will of the Anambra electorate.
“NOPRIN calls on INEC to replicate the strategy it employed in the stiffly contested Imo State Supplementary elections of 2011 by deploying one special Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to each of the three Senatorial Zones in Anambra to administer the polls in the respective Senatorial Zones.
“The phone numbers of the RECs should be made available before the election day to election observers/ monitors, voters and the public to enable them make complaints through phone calls or SMS in the event of any disruption of the voting process, infraction of the electoral law or misconduct by electoral or security officials, party agents, supporters or any person or group who may attempt to interfere with or disrupt the voting process. The RECs will be able to promptly intervene by communicating such reports with INEC officials at the particular polling booths or call the attention of INEC headquarters and/or security authorities for immediate intervention.
“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police is hereby called upon to also deploy one AIG to each of the three Senatorial Zones to oversee security in the respective zones. They will also receive complaints about any security breach or misconduct by security officials on election duty in their respective zones. The dedicated mobile phone numbers of the AIGs should also be made available to observers and members of the public for complaints about any incident through SMS and phone calls for immediate intervention. We believe that these proposed measures, as has been demonstrated in Imo State, will help to douse tension, build confidence and enhance the security and credibility of the polls.
“INEC and the police must also put in place effective measures that will ensure that electoral offenders are arrested and promptly charged and prosecuted in appropriate courts to send a clear signal that impunity for electoral banditry, vote rigging and any act that subverts the expression of the people’s democratic will shall no longer be tolerated- if our unstable democracy must be strengthened.
INEC and the Police must demonstrate their commitment to the credibility of the November 16, 2013 Anambra polls.”
As citizens of Anambra State prepare to go to the polls tomorrow and cast their votes for their gubernatorial candidates, the Civil Liberty Organisation(CLO), a nongovernmental organization has charged security agents and INEC, to do everything within the ambit of the law to make the election free and fair.
Addressing journalists at Ikeja recently over these issues, CLO’s Executive Director, Comrade, Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, said that CLO was seriously concerned about the clear signs that the Anambra State Governorship election tomorrow, November 16, might not meet the standards of free, fair and violence-free election that would reflect the popular democratic will of the people and residents of Anambra State.
According to him: “We are worried about the highly charged, tensed and contentious atmosphere in which political parties have been conducting their electoral campaigns. The bitter rivalry, accusations, counter accusations and petty mudslinging between and among contending parties, altogether, present a frightening foreboding that all may not go well come Saturday, the day of the election.
“To start with, the tragic November 2, 2013 Holy Ghost Adoration crusade stampede at Uke, Anambra State that resulted in the unfortunate death of about 30 worshipers had become a basis for partisan political brickbat and quest to gain political advantage rather than a cause for genuine concern with a focus on finding out what happened so as to ensure accountability and redress and measures to avert such avoidable tragedy in the future.
“The allegation that some political parties are sewing fake police, military and NYSC uniforms so as to disguise and commit fraud and/or violence on Election Day is a clear dangerous sign of desperation.”
Ezike explained that the troubling report that a local government council Caretaker Committee Chairman was arrested and detained by the police in Anambra for being found with fake electoral materials was illustrative of the high level of desperation among politicians, adding that the emergency formation and use of rogue groups by some political parties to endorse their candidates was another notable evidence of desperation.
“We have taken particular note of one – ‘G8 Rights Group –which claims to be a coalition of eight civil society organisations ‘engaging the electoral processes in Anambra state. But their partisan posture is hardly veiled considering their prejudiced commentaries and activities,” said Ezike. “What clearly exposes their hypocrisy and portrays them as dubious- and this is our major concern- is their recent issuing of a ‘public statement’ in which they included my name as a signatory without my knowledge and consent.”
Ezike said that the statement, brazenly defended the APGA governorship candidate on the unresolved allegation of double registration. The group in the statement had also poured invectives on candidates of other political parties.
“CLO cannot dabble into such partisan misadventure. The shameful practice whereby some self-acclaimed CSO groups driven by profit offer their platforms for partisan campaign in favour of particular political parties while insulting others will do grave damage to the image of human rights and other civil society organisations in Nigeria,” said Ezike.
He continued: “We have also noted the resort by some politicians to procure individuals or groups to impersonate as leaders or spokespersons of existing groups and purporting to have endorsed their party candidates. Few days ago, one Chief Nnaemeka Okeke claiming to be ‘MASSOB/BLF Director of Communication’ issued a statement claiming that MASSOB had endorsed APGA and urging Anambra people to vote for the party for the sake of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Emeka Ojukwu. The next day, and to our chagrin, the MASSOB leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, issued a counter statement disowning both the statement and its author, stating unequivocally that MASSOB is not partisan and has not endorsed any political party. MASSOB actually stated that there is no such designation in MASSOB called ‘Director of Communication’ but Director of Information.
“Another worrisome dimension of this desperation is the apparent misuse and abusive deployment of security forces against political opponents and perceived enemies. This is illustrated by the report of the brutal attack on MASSOB members in Onitsha by members of a joint security task force a day after MASSOB disowned the claims by the impostor who claimed to be speaking for MASSOB.
“This is a very disturbing and condemnable development which underscores the need to define the rules of engagement by the police and other security agents who will be involved in the Anambra elections. Security and law enforcement authorities must ensure that their operatives who will be on election duty maintain neutrality, non partisanship, impartiality and professionalism.”
Ezike said that many political parties which fielded candidates for the Anambra election had expressed doubts about the integrity of some INEC officials assigned to supervise the Anambra election. Some of them had been identified and pointed out as card-carrying members of political parties whose activities in the past disqualify them from being appointed as impartial electoral umpires. He said that INEC should urgently respond to this widespread concern.
Spokesman for NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma who was at the press briefing, urged INEC and security agencies to investigate allegations raised by concerned members of the public in Anambra State.
Nwanguma further said: “Noting the widespread expression of doubts- across party lines- about the independence and integrity of the Anambra State REC and other INEC officials assigned to oversee the election, and the fears that they may not guarantee free and fair elections; Considering that all the foregoing are clear indicators which altogether raise legitimate fears that fraud and violence may mar the Anambra governorship election: we call on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to take expedient measures to ensure that the November 16, 2013 Anambra State Governorship election is peaceful, credible and reflects the democratic will of the Anambra electorate.
“NOPRIN calls on INEC to replicate the strategy it employed in the stiffly contested Imo State Supplementary elections of 2011 by deploying one special Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to each of the three Senatorial Zones in Anambra to administer the polls in the respective Senatorial Zones.
“The phone numbers of the RECs should be made available before the election day to election observers/ monitors, voters and the public to enable them make complaints through phone calls or SMS in the event of any disruption of the voting process, infraction of the electoral law or misconduct by electoral or security officials, party agents, supporters or any person or group who may attempt to interfere with or disrupt the voting process. The RECs will be able to promptly intervene by communicating such reports with INEC officials at the particular polling booths or call the attention of INEC headquarters and/or security authorities for immediate intervention.
“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police is hereby called upon to also deploy one AIG to each of the three Senatorial Zones to oversee security in the respective zones. They will also receive complaints about any security breach or misconduct by security officials on election duty in their respective zones. The dedicated mobile phone numbers of the AIGs should also be made available to observers and members of the public for complaints about any incident through SMS and phone calls for immediate intervention. We believe that these proposed measures, as has been demonstrated in Imo State, will help to douse tension, build confidence and enhance the security and credibility of the polls.
“INEC and the police must also put in place effective measures that will ensure that electoral offenders are arrested and promptly charged and prosecuted in appropriate courts to send a clear signal that impunity for electoral banditry, vote rigging and any act that subverts the expression of the people’s democratic will shall no longer be tolerated- if our unstable democracy must be strengthened.
INEC and the Police must demonstrate their commitment to the credibility of the November 16, 2013 Anambra polls.”
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