From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn from the outcome of the 2022 elections in Kenya which produce Dr William Ruto to ensure a credible process in Nigeria.
It offered similar advice to candidates, political parties, security agents and Nigerians as part of efforts to deepen democracy in the country.
The NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje in a statement entitled: ‘Sanctity of the Ballot: Lessons from Kenya’ stated that stakeholders in Nigeria electoral process should draw lessons from the entire electoral process in Kenya including the legal battle to give Nigeria a transparent free and fair elections devoid of controversy.
“On all accounts, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) is convinced that there are useful lessons Nigeria should learn from Kenya as it prepares for the 2023 general elections. The outcome of the elections in Kenya offers a pathway for Nigeria’s Judiciary, President Muhammadu Buhari, the political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the security agencies and Nigerians to have a hitch-free 2023 general elections,” he said.
Owoaje who pointed out the commendable efforts of Kenya’s apex Court in resolving the impasse over the presidential results lamented that Nigerians have not been impressed with the conduct of the Nigeria judiciary on political related cases.
He therefore called on the judiciary to stand firm as the third tripod in democracy to “reinforce the integrity of the Bench as the bastion of democracy against electoral fraud.”
According to him the “patriotic and courageous conduct” displayed by Kenya electoral commission Chairman, Wafula Chebukati and two other members are what Nigerians expect from the Prof Mahmood Yakubu led INEC.
He implored INEC to ensure Nigerians are kept abreast of the actual number in the voters register, number of PVCs collected while it weeds out compromised electoral officials that seek to stain the integrity of the commission.
Owoaje tasks President Buhari on neutrality in the election process adding that Nigerians hold him to his words to “entrench a process of free, fair and transparent and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice”
He also called on security agencies to steer clear of actions that would undermine the electoral process and enjoin political parties and candidates should restrain their members and supporters from hate speeches and fake news.
“There is an inspiration in the outcome of Kenya’s Presidential elections for Nigerians as they prepare for the 2023 elections. The victory of Ruto against all odds, especially the fierce opposition from former President Kenyatta, has shown that an entrenched political establishment and dynasty can be dismantled by the collective will of the people. We call on Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs), come out to vote for candidates of their choice and ensure through legitimate means that their will prevails. Every Nigerian has a shared role to play to guarantee credible elections in 2023,“ he said.
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