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By: Kazeem Biriowo- Abuja
The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Sahara Deck, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the 2023 general elections to prove its independence.
The call is made in a statement signed by Capoon Sahara Deck, Comrade Olamide Oni and Enike-Charles Benetu, Capoon Grundziro Deck, New York Chapter, and issued to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
The statement stated that Nigerians are following events closely and that they have never been so determined to participate in an electoral process and have vowed to make their votes count.
It said that INEC, the umpire of the 2023 polls, must prove its independence as the hopes and aspirations of more than 200 million people and Nigeria’s nationals in abroad.
It added that the hopes of these Nigerians remain high and that INEC must make its Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVAS) and other systems must work in these 2023 elections.
According to the statement, mother Africa is watching, anticipating a reset in the trajectory of the continent’s economic growth.
The statement disclosed that many people have said that if Nigeria sneezes, other countries would catch cold, but the question many wanted to be answered is whether the giant of Africa lives up to global expectations and how soon.
According to the statement, the commonwealth has assured the country of continuous support for the promotion of processes and institutions of democracy in Nigeria.
It quoted Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland as saying that
Nigeria elections “hold immense significance not just for the country, but for the entire African continent and the wider democratic world”.
“An estimated 93.4 million registered voters will participate in the elections in 176,846 polling units across 774 local government areas.
“Official data says there are more than 9.5 million newly registered voters; 40 percent of these people are mostly young citizens who are students.
“For Africa to attain its full potential and rightful place in global economic indices and in the comity of nations, Nigeria must play its role as a catalyst and drive that quest.
“A free and fair election, as well as credible results, is the starting point,” it said.
The statement also said that NEC and security agencies must make sure the irregularities that bedevilled past elections are nipped in the bud.
It called on the two Organisations to curb the issue of vote buying, underage voting, thuggery, ballot box snatching, and declaration of questionable results that may lead to a number of litigations.
According to the statement, a valid election is one that is devoid of the anomalies mentioned above and that behoves INEC to make the people proud.
It said that the commission must be independent of the presidency or other influences, adding that the strength of the institution is the fulcrum for growth and that the masses expect nothing less than that.
It also called on Nigerian youths not to allow the political class to use them as perpetrators of violence, arson, thuggery, and decimation of human lives and properties.
It said the youth must become the vanguard that would demand and lead the desired transformation the country is yearning for.
According to it, religion is the opium of the people and religious leaders should lead by example when they are delivering their sermons.
It stated that religious leaders must ensure that comments and sentiments about faith and others do not create tension, a situation that could impede regional and national development.
The statement also called to remind the current government that a smooth transition of power was non-negotiable in a democratic society.
According to the statement, a peaceful transfer of power ushered in the incumbent on May 29, 2015, and that same that will be seamlessness is expected in a matter of weeks.
It expressed hopefulness that in the coming years, Nigerians in the diaspora would be allowed to participate in the elections from their places of residence.
The statement also called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to work towards the realisation of e-voting, while wishing all Nigerians peaceful, free, and fair elections.
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