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Tag: CSOs

  • Kwara NGOS, CSOs demand to be part of fuel subsidy palliatives committee

    Kwara NGOS, CSOs demand to be part of fuel subsidy palliatives committee

    Twenty-four Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and NGOs came together in Kwara on Saturday to demand that they be made part of organisations to distribute government’s palliatives on fuel subsidy removal.

    They formed a coalition with Mr Abdurrahman Ayuba as convener and Mr Musa Aliyu as co-convener.

    The organisations declared in a statement signed by the duo that they formed the coalition and made the request early to avoid a repeat of the experience of the COVID-19 palliative distribution.

    They noted that the CSOs and NGOs were initially not included among monitors and distributors of COVID-19 palliatives, but were later “inadvertently co-opted’’.

    The CSOs and NGOs also declared in the statement issued in Ilorin that their interest was specifically in food distribution to the poor and to the vulnerable and the distribution of fertiliser and grains to farmers.

    “We also have interest in the N500 million support to petty traders and MSMEs and in the committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb arbitrary fixing of food prices.

    “Already feelers from CSO colleagues in other states suggest the steps taken by Kwara are highly commendable and pregnant with positive results,’’ they noted.

    The CSOs and NGOs added that they looked forward to a proactive response from government and assured that they remained a dependable partner in the development of Kwara.

    Kwara government announced on Monday that it would distribute food palliatives to the poor and the vulnerable periodically to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    The government also approved for the Kwara State Social Investment Programme to activate a N500 million worth of conditional support for petty traders and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

    It also announced that it would receive fertilisers and grains from the Federal Government for distribution to farmers to boost food output and security.

    The government declared that it would set up a committee to interface with marketers to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuffs which imposed hardship on residents.

  • CSOs raise concern over prevalence of kidney disease in Borno

    CSOs raise concern over prevalence of kidney disease in Borno

    The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Borno (NECSOB), has raised concern over the growing cases of kidney disease in the state.

    The group in a statement by its leader, Bulama Abiso, urged stakeholders to work towards finding the root cause of the problem with a view to finding lasting solutions.

    It demanded the outcome of a research supported by the State Government, being handled by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

    “It has also became necessary for the Network to question the whereabout of the report of research conducted by the grants of N50m released by the Borno State Government to the management of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on 23th March 2022.

    “We urge the state government to launch an inquiry to find out the stage of the report if any, and make it public.

    “The Network also solicited the intervention of humanitarian and development partners in research and donation of high technological equipment to address the issue .

    “We are also calling for direct assistance to all the victims as the cost management and treatment is beyond ordinary citizens .

    “It’s in this light that we also appreciate the direct intervention by TetFund in providing dialysis machines and training grants to personel at the UMTH Kidney Centre,” the group said.

    The group also raised concern over growing youths restiveness and cases of criminal activities ranging from drug abuse , phone snatching, burglary, theft and murder, being perpetrated by some gangs in Maiduguri.

    It lauded Gov. Babagana Zulum for summoning an emergency security meeting and directing a crackdown on suspected perpetrators known as “Marlians”.

    “We wish to call on the state to also form a high level committee to look into the activities of this group in order to find out the root causes and people involved in fueling the group or sponsoring them.

    “We equally want to urge the security operatives to synergise in curbing the hydra-headed monster that is spreading among our youths and beyond.

    “We believe the capacity and strength of our gallant security outfits are capable of handling this problems as was demonstrated in containing the decade long Boko haram insurgency,” the statement added.

    It urged for intensive research and training for youths on social behavioural change programming to address the raptured youth social cohesion in the society alongside campaign on drug abuse.

    “We are equally advocating for the creation of Ministry of Youth, Counselling and Employment.

    “The ministry will be responsible for providing guidance to our youths, to make a right decision and assist in securing jobs as well as encouraging youths to be self reliance by engaging them in various skill training”.

  • Enugu State residents, CSOs, protest against “Sit-At-Home“ order

    Enugu State residents, CSOs, protest against “Sit-At-Home“ order

    Residents of Enugu State and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday staged a protest against the weekly “Sit-At-Home“ order by the Simon Ekpa faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The protesters, who converged at the popular Michael Okpara Square as early as 8:am, moved through the Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Ogbete Main Market, Okpara Avenue, Garden Avenue, New haven, Bisala Road and back to Okpara Square.

    They carried banners and placards with inscriptions such as ”Enough Is Enough”, “Say No To Sit-At-Home In Enugu”, “Allow The Poor To Breathe”,‘Our Mumu Don Do”, “Enugu People Must Be Freed From The Shackles Of Those Who Want To Hold Them Down”, among others.

    Mrs Onyinye Mammah, the Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation, who spoke on behalf of the coordinators, said they decided to take the bold initiative following the devastating effects the every Monday “Sit-At-Home“ order were having on state’s economy and that of the entire South-East.

    She said the protesters were made up of residents, CSOs, media, members of women organisations and representative of the 17 council areas in the state.

    “How can you continue to do something that has not benefitted you since it was started? We pay school fees and our children don’t go to school and businesses are shut on Mondays.

    “A few people have decided to create anarchy, take laws into their hands and make life uncomfortable for others.

    “We cannot continue this way and that is why we think there is need to support Gov. Peter Mbah in his effort to end the Mondays Sit-At-Home order”, she said.

    A protester, Mr Arthur Edeh, described the Sit-At-Home order as cancer to Enugu people, its economy and development, pointing out that anybody telling Enugu residents to Sit-At-Home was an enemy to the state.

    According to him, whoever that live abroad and is telling people of the South-East to “Sit-At-Home“ on Mondays do not have their interest at heart.

    “People should feel free to go about their businesses… The security network in Enugu is massive and nobody should threaten you with illegal “Sit-At-Home order“ he advised.

    A representative of Nsukka Council Area, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, said they participated in the protest because they were tired of the “Sit-At-Home“ order.

    “I came from Nsukka to support our governor to end this menace and I am here also to inform our people that Nsukka is free from Mondays “Sit-At-Home“ directive.

    “Opi, Nsukka, Ugwuogo Nike Road are free for movement and people are free to travel anytime without threat and attack.

    “I advise our people to come out en masse to support our governor as we are losing a lot from sitting at home,“ he said.

     

  • Post-election review: INEC meets CSOs

    Post-election review: INEC meets CSOs

    Members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, met with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the review of the 2023 general elections.

    The meeting, held at the conference room of the Commission in Abuja, is the fourth in a series of post-elections review meetings that INEC scheduled with those who played key roles in the 2023 general elections.

    Addressing the gathering, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said the meeting is intended to focus more on the 2023 general election by way of introspection, stocktaking, review and evaluation.

    He said “This is one of the best ways to continue to improve the electoral process. As I said on several occasions, since we commenced the review meetings three weeks ago, the Commission welcomes diverse opinions about the election insofar as their purpose is to improve the future conduct of elections and to consolidate our democracy.

    “Since the 2019 general election, we have worked together with the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders for the improvement of the electoral process.

    “We were meticulous in our preparations for the election and there have been many positive developments in this regard. One area is the repeal and re-enactment of the Electoral Act 2010 into the Electoral Act 2022. The new law provides a period of 180 days for political parties to conclude their primaries and submit the names of candidates and the political parties took advantage of it for the 2023 general election. This enabled the Commission to commence the process of producing the sensitive materials for the election in good time.

    “I am glad to report that the printing of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 general election was entirely done in Nigeria. This is the first time in 44 years since the transition to democratic rule in 1979 that this great step was taken and achieved, in spite of the record number of 93.4 million registered voters and over five hundred million ballot papers, result sheets and other documents for the five categories of the main elections and supplementary polls.

    “For this reason, the 2023 general election was held as scheduled for the first time in the last four electoral cycles without a postponement arising from the non-arrival of materials.

    “Furthermore, we were also able to expand voter access to polling units for the first time since the initial delimitation exercise in 1996. Similarly, we introduced many technology-based innovations, including the physical registration and online pre-registration of voters using the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED), the various portals for the nomination of candidates, party agents and the accreditation of observers and the media. We also collected and published data on the distribution of voters not only by age and occupation but also by disability.

    “Within the limits of available resources, we also tried to provide such inclusivity materials as braille jackets and magnifying glasses for some categories of voters with disabilities.

    “Nevertheless, as you are aware, there were many challenges encountered before and during the elections.

    “The severe cash and fuel situations were compounded by the perennial insecurity nationwide. Their impact on our deployment plans, compounded by the behaviour of some of our own officials in the field, made logistics management particularly challenging. The deployment of thugs by some political actors made election day administration difficult in a number of places.

    “While voter accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was very successful, the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), especially for the presidential election, encountered a glitch, as explained in our statement released by the Commission on 26th February 2023.

    “The Commission is aware that this matter is currently the subject of litigation and would reserve its comments for now. Nevertheless, the performance of the technology deployed for the election is part of the ongoing review of the 2023 general election. It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.

    “On this note, it is appropriate for the Commission to express its appreciation to Civil Society Organisations and development partners for their enormous support to the Commission during the 2023 general election. This came in the form of technical advice, civic and voter education, organisation of meetings and capacity-building workshops, as well as the publication of documents.

    “However, it is necessary to seize this opportunity to correct the impression in some sections of the public that the Commission received huge sums of money from development partners for the election.

    “On the contrary, and for the avoidance of doubt, the Commission did not receive any direct funding or cash support from international development partners. Rather, their support was totally indirect through Civil Society Organisations and implementing partners working on elections. Indeed, it has been a longstanding policy of the present Commission not to receive direct funding and cash transfers from sources other than the Federal Government of Nigeria. We hope that we shall continue to have this type of productive partnership with civil society and development partners in the future.

    “It is in furtherance of this partnership that the Commission accredits observers because the feedback we receive, and their actionable recommendations have been very helpful to the electoral process.

    “For the 2023 general election, the Commission received 538 requests (504 domestic and 34 foreign) for accreditation as observers. After a thorough evaluation of the requests, only 228 groups (190 domestic and 38 foreign) met the requirements for accreditation.

    “However, so far, only 67 observer groups (62 domestic and five foreign) have, so far, submitted their observation reports, which represent just about 30% of the accredited groups for the election. We urge all accredited observer groups that are yet to submit their reports to do so in earnest.

  • Prioritise Whistleblowing, audit legislations – CSOs urge NASS

    Prioritise Whistleblowing, audit legislations – CSOs urge NASS

    … call for strengthening of anti-corruption watchdogs

     

    The leadership and members of the National Assembly (NASS) have been urged to prioritise enacting legislation to protect whistleblowers and a new audit law.

    Setting an anti-corruption agenda for federal legislators, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG) and Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) also warned lawmakers against efforts to “whittle down the powers of anti-graft agencies”.

    Speaking during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja, PLAC’s Programme Manager on Gender and Policy, Nkiru Uzodi, stated that for financial corruption in the public sector to reduce “members of the National Assembly must see to the reintroduction and passage into law of the Audit Bill that was unsuccessful in the 9th Assembly.

    Uzodi called on the Assembly to exploit preventive measures to curb corrupt acts while condemning efforts of the 9th NASS to amend and reduce the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). She added that factors limiting some lawmakers over the years from taking on corruption headlong is the lack of character, competence and capacity.

    “Federal lawmakers have to look at strengthening anti-corruption watchdogs and strengthen their laws. There is a Federal audit bill that has been outstanding that is supposed to reinforce public audit and enhance the work of the public accounts committee in the fight against corruption.

    “They (NASS) need to revisit conversations about establishing special courts to fight corruption; in the 9th Assembly, the attempt to amend the ICPC Act was wrong and would further reduce the effectiveness of the anti-corruption body,” Uzodi stressed.

    She, however, knocked the current Assembly for reportedly allocating N40 billion to buy 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.

    On her part, PRIMORG’s Programme Manager, Dr. Adaobi Obiabunmuo, while setting an anti-corruption agenda for the 10th Assembly, called on the lawmakers to leverage the Auditor General’s report to fight corruption while strengthening whistleblowing and whistleblower protection in the country.

    Her words: “The National Assembly has three main functions, which are representation, oversight and lawmaking. We want them to oversight properly.

    “If there are allegations, the National Assembly should be able to weigh in and investigate. They should get the appropriate authorities to prosecute. As much as we want them to oversee all MDAs, they should be accountable and transparent.

    “Journalists with the constitutional mandate to blow the whistle against corruption should also be protected. They should not be gagged by the instruments of the law and security agencies,” Obiabunmuo posited.

    Former Akwa Ibom State governor Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas are the presidents of the Nigerian Senate and the Speaker House of Representatives, respectively.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Group slams EU over report on 2023 presidential election

    Group slams EU over report on 2023 presidential election

    Following the report by EU on 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, a group under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Political Parties of Good Governance on Thursday accused the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), for alleged plan to trigger violence in the country.

    Recall that the EUEOM had last week presented its final report on the 2023 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Mission offered 23 recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian authorities as part of its contribution to improve the future elections in Nigeria which trigger controversies in the country

    The Civil Society Organisations while protesting to the EU headquarters in Abuja, displayed banners with inscriptions, “Nigerians reject EU election report, we say no to manipulated report: “Don’t trigger violence in Nigeria”.

    Dr. Lilian Ene Ogbole the convener of the group while addressing journalists said Nigerians are not satisfied with EU report presented to INEC.

    According to her, the just concluded election that produced Bola Tinubu as president was one of the most transparent election in the history of Nigeria, saying the country will not condone any false report nor condone any manipulated result against Nigeria.

    She said, “We are here with thousands of patriotic Nigerians who have come specifically to raise concern about the presentation and the report of the European Union concerning the just concluded elections.

    We have come to register unequivocally that we are not satisfied with the report of the European Union as a matter of fact, we are of the opinion that the report is not just ridiculous but a deliberate act to slides the Nigerian entity and of course by implications our leaders and the government of Nigeria.

    “We are all Nigerians here. We were all here during the just concluded election. But before I proceed further, I would like to say to you very clearly that there is no where election in the world that is devoid of crisis and hitches. Every election in the world both in the United States of America, in the great Britain both in Ireland and even the European Union countries was not perfect.

    “Every election comes with their peculiar problems. Nigeria is not an inception. Yes we are aware that the world is a global village therefore, people from different parts of the world converge in various countries during elections to monitor, observe and make presentations like the EU has done. But what we found unnecessary, what we found not worthy is the manner in which the report was made.

    “The election that just concluded in Nigeria that produced one of the man alive today in the person of his excellency, distinguished Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of the most transparent election in the history of Nigeria.”

    Mrs Ogbole noted that EU’s report is enough to trigger National pronlem and chaos.

    “You would also agree with me that the report of the European Union is enough to trigger a national problem, is enough to trigger a national chaos. Our security is at stake, our sovereignty is at stake, our unity is at stake.

    “Nigeria is a great country in Africa, the most populated country in west Africa and the pride of the African countries. If the European Union is beginning to address our election and of course what ever is daring the way they have presented this report then we are scared. We are scared not just is going to affect Nigeria as a country but is going to affect the whole of the African countries”.

    The group advised the EU as of matter of urgency to withdraw their report and come up with the report that will be favourable to Nigeria.

    Addressing the protesters, a staff at EU headquarters who refused to mention his name promised to deliver the petition to the proper authorities.

  • CSO congratulates Emefiele over National Honour

    CSO congratulates Emefiele over National Honour

    …hails him for preparing ground for Tinubu’s govt economic stability

    The Economic Assessment Unit of the Civil Society Central Coordinating Council has congratulated the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele on his Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic national honour conferred on him by the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday.

    Head of the Unit, Ihuoma Adaelu in a congratulatory statement described the CBN governor as a pragmatic and transformational leader, who has fearlessly encouraged innovations for economic development.

    According to the group, Emefiele has created change that will shape the future of Nigeria’s economy and as well prepared ground President-elect Bola Tinubu government economic stability.

    The group said, “This national honour of
    Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic is well deserving, because Emefiele’s vision and mission over the years are in tandem with those of the apex bank. He has been focused, fearless even in the face of unwarranted and scathing criticisms. He never shied away from his duties nor allowed emotions to cloud his judgment.

    “Under his leadership, The CBN has become one of the most efficient and effective world’s central banks in promoting and sustaining economic development. CBN has been on the spot since the recent policy on the redesign of the naira, but Emefiele has remained focused in the face of unwarranted criticisms, even by those who do not have a proper understanding of the modern concept of central banking. We commend the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari for deeming Emefiele worthy of this award, it’s an honour well deserved.”

  • 2023 elections: Five CSOs condemn political rascality being exhibited by those against Tinubu’s mandate

    2023 elections: Five CSOs condemn political rascality being exhibited by those against Tinubu’s mandate

    … describe last presidential election as most peaceful in Nig

    Five Civil Society Organizations, CSOs have condemned the political rascality being exhibited by those against the mandate of APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement co-jointly signed by the conveners of the coalition on Monday namely: Razaq Olokoba
    Convener
    Campaign for Dignity in Governance
    Nelson Ekujumi Co-Convener
    Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate Titi Akosa
    Co-Convener
    Center for 21st Century Issues Raji Rasheed Oyewumi
    Co-Convener Movement for Democratic Change Alex Omotehinse
    Co-Convener Center for Human and Socio-economic Rights.

    The coalition quoting statistics of various elections held in Nigeria since 1964 described the 2023 presidential election as the most peaceful and that wailers should stop condemning it.

    They declared that:”Due to this, we as democrats, can no longer fold our arms and do nothing as responsible stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

    “For the purpose of emphasis, what the country has been passing through since the 2023 general elections is nothing more than political rascality, irresponsibility, crudity, recklessness, insensitivity and treasonable acts which threaten our nation’s democracy and national security.

    Read full text below:

    “We want to start by passing our warmest regards and salute to NIGERIANs for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria by coming out to express their democratic right in the just concluded general elections, we also commend all the institutions that took active part in the exercise which includes INEC, all the Security agencies, EFCC, Members of the Fourth Estate/the Media and the accredited local and international observers.

    Enough of Political Rascality Over 2023 General Elections

    “We in the civil society community have watched recent events in the nation’s body polity with keen interest. We have observed this negative trend since the end of the recently held 2023 General Elections notwithstanding the inconclusiveness of two states gubernatorial elections, with deep feeling of anger and disbelief regarding the effect that the country seems to be moving away from the path of sanity and civility to a steady descent to anarchy and chaos.

    “Due to this, we as democrats, can no longer fold our arms and do nothing as responsible stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

    “For the purpose of emphasis, what the country has been passing through since the 2023 general elections is nothing more than political rascality, irresponsibility, crudity, recklessness, insensitivity and treasonable acts which threaten our nation’s democracy and national security.

    “As you all know, we have been active players in Nigeria’s political life since the days of military despotism in the 80’s and 90’s.

    “We have even been very active since our tertiary education days as young adults till now and our roles in the civil society movement are very much well known and documented.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, our series of advocacy have brought us to follow in the footsteps of leading lights in the civil society movement such as the likes of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome Kuti, Anthony Enahoro, Baba Omojola, Alfred Ilenre, Chima Ubani, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Cmdr. Dan Suleiman, Alao Aka Bashorun, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, Ola Oni, Arthur Nwankwo, Prof Jadesola Akande, Alhaja Raliat Daniju, all of blessed memory.

    “We are also glad that some of the shinning lights such as Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof Wole Soyinka, Dr. Keziah Awosika, Fred Agbeyegbe, Ayo Obe, Titi Akosa, Prof Femi Obayori, Biodun Aremu etc are still alive but remain sad that the country of our dreams that was hoped and laboured for, is still far away from the proverbial Eldorado.

    “It is to the credit of these patriots and many more persons of like minds and interest, that they were able to galvanize the society for good governance and democracy in their lifetime and thus played critical roles in terminating military dictatorship in Nigeria. Their heroic stance and actions are well acknowledged and receipted by history.

    “Collectively with these giants, we sacrificed sweat, limbs and lives of the Nigerian people at great costs to birth this democracy in 1999 and we will not fold our arms and watch it derided, demarketed, maligned, discredited and truncated by elements that lack democratic ethos and credentials.

    “We refer to characters who lack proper understanding of democracy and its values and are not ready to learn, have obstinately refused to imbibe the tenets of democracy which is about the will of the majority over the minority as expressed by all Nigerians who came out to vote at the polls.

    “Following the fair, successful and credible conduct of the 2023 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whom we commend for the marvelous work it has done despite all the landmines laid in its path, we have watched with bated breadth and shock, how some characters are plotting to truncate our hard earned democracy at all costs through treasonable and subversive calls for the installation of an interim government.

    “These unpatriotic elements have resorted to fake news, hate speech, lies, falsehood, misinformation and campaign of blackmail and calumny against all known national institutions with a view to arm twisting and blackmailing them to toe their ignoble and undemocratic line.

    “Wickedly of them, their sinister and unpatriotic actions have caused threats to the lives of Nigerians because their party and candidate lost an election.

    “If we all recall, while INEC was busy with the collation of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections results, two bitter and sore losers presidential candidates and members of their political parties having seen the handwriting of defeat on the wall via their manually collated party agents results from the polling units, to the wards, local government levels and state collation centres, started calling for the cancellation of the presidential election midway citing irregularity of non uploading of the results to the IRev by INEC and sadly, this irresponsible, insensitive, reckless, provocative and treasonable call was echoed by a former President of Nigeria whose place is cemented in our political history as the progenitor of do or die politics, who supervised the most scandalous elections in our national life.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, we want it placed on record, that we condemn in totality the pockets of violence, voters intimidation and harassment which occurred in some polling stations during the elections and we demand that the security agencies investigate and take appropriate action to remedy these infractions that have become a recurring decimal across the country at every election cycle.

    “However, we reject in strong terms the attempt to taint the credibility of the 2023 general elections by anti democratic elements who have taken their campaign of calumny against the successful and credible conduct of the elections to a ridiculous height by describing it as the worst in Nigeria’s history, that it was marred by electoral violence and voters suppression which is at variance with the facts on the ground.

    “According to a report published by socioeconomic research firm SBM, voters intimidation, harassment and assault were only reported in 5% of the polling stations nationwide. This figures reflect a downward trend of violence. The 2023 general elections was the least violent in Nigeria’s election history and the data of election history below will validate our position.

    Elections Years/deaths
    1964/65 – 200
    1993 – 100
    1999 – 80
    2003 – 100
    2007 – 300
    2011 – 800
    2015 – 100
    2019 – 150
    2023 – 13-28

    “From the report, we can confirm that 13 persons were killed in 36 incidents across Nigeria, but this figure could go as high as 28 if we consider some media reports of deaths which is subject to verification.

    “Thus, like we say, data don’t lie, so how can any responsible person be engaged in lies, falsehood and blackmail of the 2023 general elections in the face of obvious facts that it’s violence rate shows a steady decline unlike in previous elections?

    “It is a well known fact that Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy in which the process for the installation of a government has been prescribed as through universal suffrage (election) by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “The same Constitution also provides room for aggrieved parties to seek redress for any perceived infraction through the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Courts.

    “Nowhere in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is it stipulated that when an election) is conducted and results declared, that the aggrieved parties, candidates and supporters can resort to street protests, threats of violence, call for cancellation of election or installation of an interim government.

    “The Constitution does not permit for aggrieved candidate(s) or party to engage in peddling of fake news, hate speech, lies, falsehood, misinformation, incitements, campaign of blackmail, intimidation and calumny against the state through threats of breakdown of law and order.

    “Any party, candidate or its agents resorting to the above mentioned anti- democratic acts and threats to national security under our laws, is liable for treason and we urge the government to activate all its law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to prevent this ticking bomb that threaten our collective peaceful co-existence.

    “We are shocked and amused that while going to court to challenge the outcome of the presidential election which was conducted successfully and creditably by INEC in which they lost, same aggrieved candidates and their party are in the same breadth hypocritically applauding and commending the conduct of national and state houses of assembly and governorship elections by same INEC in which they won, these political parties, its candidates and agents have been making provocative, irresponsible, insensitive, reckless, undemocratic and subversive statements against democracy and national security through interviews, comments, sponsored rallies which is condemnable and unacceptable.

    “We also condemn in strong terms, the subversive and unGodly sermons from anti democratic elements accomplices on the pulpit who have desecrated the altar of God for political expediency.

    “Everyday, the sensibilities of Nigerians are assaulted and traumatized by the so called men of God denigrating the Lord’s temple for filthy political lucre which is very sad, unfortunate, reprehensible and despicable.

    “We however want to use this opportunity to admonish these agents of destabilization, that as Nigerians who went to the polls peacefully and orderly to exercise our franchise on election day and even observe the elections, we will no longer fold our arms and watch them discredit and undermine our democracy and national security for their selfish end.

    “We state that as organizations which observed the 2023 general elections under our umbrella body, we affirm that the elections were conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the electoral Act 2022 and the outcome reflected the will of the people as expressed at the polls.

    “The treasonable comments and conducts being exhibited over an election that was creditably conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, which they lost is becoming embarrassing and unbearable.

    “The silence of the majority of Nigerians who voted for the President-elect and other candidates who won at the polls, must not be mistaken for cowardice, enough is enough!

    “We commend the media for the professionalism and objectivity exhibited before, during and after the elections and appeal to them to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession just as we charge them to educate and sensitize innocent and peace loving Nigerians on the tenets of democracy which is being daily debased, abused and assaulted by these anti democratic elements just to confuse and incite the people for selfish end, enough is enough!

    “Finally, we commend our hardworking and tireless security and anti graft agencies for their professionalism, impartiality and dedication to duty which contributed in no small measure to the success and credibility of the elections and particularly urge the security agencies to rein in these anti democratic elements to face the law for subversion and treason where it is established after investigation.

    Enough is Enough of political rascality over the 2023 general elections.

    God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Thank you all for your attention.

    Yours Sincerely,

    Razaq Olokoba
    Convener
    Campaign for Dignity in Governance

    Nelson Ekujumi
    Co-Convener
    Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate

    Titi Akosa
    Co-Convener
    Center for 21st Century Issues

    Raji Rasheed Oyewumi
    Co-Convener
    Movement for Democratic Change

    Alex Omotehinse
    Co-Convener
    Center for Human and Socio-economic Rights

  • CSOs want Buhari to overhaul EFCC

    CSOs want Buhari to overhaul EFCC

    The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organisations has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over alleged consistent disobedience of court orders.

    Mr Olufemi Lawson, Convener of the coalition comprising about 50 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and Chairman, Centre for Public Accountability, made the call at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    Lawson said EFCC under Mr AbdulRasheed Bawa allegedly had the penchant for disobedience of lawful court orders and had politicised activities.

    According to him, Bawa has been allegedly convicted to prison terms on about three different occasions within the space of months for clear breach of the extant orders of the court.

    “We must at this point make it clear that any form of disobedience to lawful orders of the court is not only an act of monumental corruption but is it also indicates a dangerous signal to the institutions of our democracy and the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

    “For the EFCC to recover its past glory, it must retrace its steps with the President overhauling its leadership.

    “This culture of impunity continues to ridicule Nigeria in the comity of nations and sabotage efforts at attracting foreign direct investment.

    “It is even more worrisome that this blatant disobedience of valid court orders is coming on the heels of efforts by stakeholders to galvanise more support for the war against corruption in the country.

    “We, hereby, demand that President Buhari takes immediate steps to ensure that EFCC does not derail his avowed commitment to the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights of citizens by removing Mr Bawa as the chairman of the commission,” he said.

    Lawson, who noted that disobedience of court orders must stop, said attempts by institutions of state to ridicule the country and make it seem like a lawless fiefdom must be resisted by all.

    According to him, the EFCC should not allow itself to be used as an instrument of political witch hunt.

    He said that some anti-corruption civil society organisations had submitted several petitions to EFCC which the commission had not acted on, “even when you sit with them to reason on the merits of those petitions.”

    Lawson said that the commission needed to be neutral and professional.

    According to him, every democracy in the world is rooted, planted and established on rule of law, saying no democracy can survive without institutions respecting the rule of law.

    Lawson said that the coalition wanted EFCC to be above board as an institution in the nation’s democracy, obeying what the law and the court say.

    He said that operatives of democracy should not be seen displaying contempt of the court order.

    According to him, EFCC that always approaches court for order to detain corrupt suspect should not find it difficult to obey orders from same court.

    He said that the commission should not be seen to be ridiculing the integrity of the nation’s judiciary but be neutral and professional in discharging mandate.

    Also speaking, Mr Ayodeji Ologun, the Spokesperson, Transparency and Accountability Group (TAG) said that the CSOs would not continue to watch the nation’s democracy going down the drain, saying, “whoever appointment to man the EFCC should be above board,”.

    “Our judiciary is so sacrosanct because that is the last hope.

    “When there are troubles in the legislature and executive, everybody comes to the judiciary as the last arbiter. We should not derail our democracy,” Ologun said.

    Leadership of various CSOs including the Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Zero Graft Centre, and the Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, a) were in attendance.

    Others in attendance were Activists for Good Governance, Centre for Ethics and Good Governance, Media Right Concern, Centre for Socio-Economic Rights, among others.

    The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja on Monday, ordered the arrest and remand of the EFCC Chairman in prison for disobeying a court order.

    However, EFCC, has filed a motion at Court of Appeal to stop the execution of judgment of Kogi High Court which ordered the committal of its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa to prison for disobedience of court order.

  • NCC urges CSOs to safeguard telecoms infrastructure in Nigeria

    NCC urges CSOs to safeguard telecoms infrastructure in Nigeria

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for the support of Civil Society Organisations to help safeguard telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

    The Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta said this during the 2023 Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit on Curbing the Destruction and Vandalisation of Telecom and other Critical National Infrastructure in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    Danbatta, represented by Mr . Chukuma Nwaiwu, Head, Wireless Network, NCC, said the Commission receive reports of telecom infrastructure vandalisation from the telecom companies.

    He said these acts impact on the delivered quality of services and the availability of the digital platforms.

    According to him, some of the impacts includ:”Disruption of the network services and disconnection of digital platforms.

    “Congestion of alternative backup routes/networks. Interruption of social and economy activities, loss of revenue.

    “Ripple effects on other networks and network elements. Delay in network recovery.”

    On the upcoming general elections, Danbatta, said that technology would play a crucial and key role in delivering free and fair elections to Nigerians.

    He said that NCC was collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election results were transmittecd electronically as required by law.

    Danbatta said: “We all have a duty to protect the national telecom infrastructure as such to benefit from the dividends of democracy and good governance.

    “The youth and CSOs as  critical stakeholders in the development process of any society have  dutest o educate the public of the importance of protecting telecom infrastructure located in their immediate vicinity.

    “The NCC and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are collaborating to protect telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset and have signed an MoU n this regard.”

    He called on Nierians to join hands in protecting the national telecom infrastructure for the benefit of all.

    The Deputy President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Musa Mohammed, said vandalising critically national infrastructure can only come from insensitivity, indiscipline and unpatriotic individuals.

    Mohammed said these individuals do not see the good intentions of the government towards making necessary provisions for the country.

    He urged CSOs to put all hands on the deck to work with security agencies to ensure that the vandals were reported and prosecuted accordingly.

    “Willful damage of roads, rail tracks and other critical infrastructure in our country is not only an act of wickedness, but an act of disregard for the country’s infrastructure.

    “We must all rise to fight against vandalism of national infrastructure because the damaging effects does not only affect an individual but all of us,” he urged.

    Earlier, the Director-General of National Council for Civil Society (NCCS) Mr Johnny Emmanuel, said the role of civil society in infrastructural development should not be undermined.

    Emmanuel said that the NCCS intended to train over 20,000 youth in each state to become volunteers to  access and monitor the state of vandalism across the country by working with security agencies.

    He urged the government, especially the national assembly to put it into law by enacting a bill of National Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund.

    “As law abiding citizens, it is our responsibility to telecom, power and other critical infrastructure within our environment and take ownership of it.

    “If you partner with the civil society, we will be able to create what we call civil society anti-vandal volunteers.

    “We intend to train over 20,000 youth in each state to become volunteers,” Emmanuel said.