Nigeria community in S/Africa underscores need for credible poll

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has emphasised the need for conduct of a free and fair election in Nigeria, to avoid issues associated with electoral fraud.

Its National Deputy President, Mr Oscar Emetuei, made the emphasis, while noting the association’s position on the forthcoming 2023 general elections in a statement on Thursday.

Emetuei extolled successes recorded by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also commended the efforts of the commission in preparation for the poll.

“We express gratitude to Yakubu for steadying the hands of the electoral steering wheel since his appointment as Chairman of INEC in November, 2015.

“Particularly, we wish to commend you and your team for the tremendous effort you are putting in to ensure that Nigerians have a free, fair, and seamless election this year 2023.

“Although, your predecessors did well to reposition INEC and eliminate myriad issues arising from political elites, regarding the voting process.

“You have taken the commission forward through promotion of remarkable innovations, such as the introduction of the Electronic Voting System, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), to read Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and authenticate voters electronically.

“We acknowledge you are doing your best to properly position the commission for the forthcoming elections amidst some challenges regarding effective conduct of the 2023 elections.”

He identified a previous appeal for diaspora voting, which was denied by the National Assembly, to hinder Nigerians in Diaspora to participate actively in the electoral process.

According to him, in spite of Nigerians’ position in Diaspora, they should have a stake in the conduct of elections, as a means to usher in a new government at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“To this end, we want to add our voice to those of teeming Nigerians that are of utmost importance that the candidate who will succeed president Buhari must be a product of free and fair elections.

“So that he will resume office with legitimacy and devoid of any legal encumbrances; we believe that conducting free, fair, and credible elections is very important at this critical period of our dear nation’s history.

“It will restore the trust of the majority of people up the ladder and be among a community of nations that practice true democracy.

“We wish Yakubu well as he is shouldering the aspirations of over 200 million people at home and abroad,” Emetuei said. (NAN)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top