Mariam Sanni
A coalition of fifteen civil society organizations,CSO has called for fairness and transparency throughout the recall process of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The CSO s made this call while addressing newsmen in a press conference held in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the fourteen other heads of the civil society groups in the observers group, Convener and Leader of the coalition Mr Mike Femi says the civil society observers group are to monitor the recall process and ensure it is conducted in a transparent, fair, and constitutional manner.
He mentioned the receipt of a petition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District seeking to recall their senator.
According to him, the coalition’s responsibility includes monitoring the recall process to ensure it is free from political manipulation and adheres to the law.
The coalition emphasized the need for INEC to conduct the recall process with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to its guidelines.
He added that any attempt to manipulate the process or politicize it would undermine the credibility of democratic institutions.
“Our appeal however is that the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recognising the humongous power it wields and also being central in this entire process of the recall must adheres strictly to stipulated guidelines.
“While no one can categorically accuse INEC of complicit so far, we want to emphasise that the Commission should conduct this process with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to its guidelines, ensuring that the will of the people is not manipulated.
“Any attempt to toe unpopular route or politicize the recall process would undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions and we seriously hope that does not happen. At the same time, if the Kogi Central people say they need a new Senator, it will also be unfair and unjust to deny them such right as known to law, hence the need to activate our arsenals for this daunting exercise,” he stated.
Femi reiterated the coalition’s commitment to upholding constitutionality and fairness throughout the recall process.
He assured the electorates, INEC, the affected lawmaker, and the entire Nigerian public of their non-partisan, non-political, and non-aligned stance.
According to him , the coalition’s report on the recall process will be made public, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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