Mrs Ene Obi addressing the participants at the briefing in Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, to ensure that the challenges experienced in the Presidential and National Assembly elections did not reoccure in Saturday’s Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
At a pre-election briefing in Abuja, Convener of the CSOs Situation Room, Mrs Ene Obi, said the expectations of Nigerians are high, and addressing the lapses will restore the masses confidence in the nation’s electoral system.
She disclosed that the situation Room had deployed 2,340 observers across the 36 states, including 1,031, Person’s with Disabilities to monitor the proceedings of the Governorship and State House of Assemblies elections.
Mrs Obi who expressed concern over the spate of violence in some areas, called for the protection of the citizens by law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of perpetrators.
The CSOs convener also noted the circulation of smear campaigns and desperation of some individuals on social media, called on political parties to discourage violence by their supporters.
“Parties are reminded that there is a need to respect and abide by the Peace Accord signed by them. Situation Room will be tracking violent incidents across the States.”
“Perpetrators and masterminds will be called out for investigations and punitive measures in line with Section 92 (5-8) of the Electoral Act 2022”. She stated.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto, Editing by Adeniyi Bakare