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, Dr. Gabriel stated that the electoral process is ongoing and that it is essential to monitor the activities of all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary, to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
The Centre also called on law enforcement agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), 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,” Dr. Gabriel stated.
Dr. 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 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,” Dr. 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.