Yemisi Izuora
The Civil Liberties Orgnaisation (CLO) has urged for credible and violence-free elections in the ongoing general elections.
The CLO in a statement by Comrade Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, national secretary enjoined INEC to ensure that the crucial elections are conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral law and global best practices.
“This is the only path the nation can take at this time and for all to accept its eventual outcome as legitimate.
The CLO also commends the international community for working with Nigeria for a transparent and participatory election which is expected to consolidate our democracy and entrench radical development in the country” Ezike said.
The CLO further urged security agencies deployed to provide security for the elections to be civil, exercise maximum restraint and respect the rights of Nigerians during the elections.
“We similarly task the security agencies and government at all levels to be fully alert, especially in security flash points/ areas where tension and apprehension are rife in order to secure the residents and their property from obvious attacks.
The CLO advises all Nigerians to see themselves as their brothers’ keepers and to eschew hatred and bitterness before, during and after the elections” the statement advised.
The organisation also called on other major stakeholders in the electoral process in Nigeria; the political parties, election observers, Monitors, including other institutional and adhoc officials such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other agencies that will play key roles in the conduct of this essential election to live up to expectation and ensure absolute impartiality in the conduct of the exercise.
“The CLO urge all election observers, the National Human Rights Commission, security agencies and the international community to pay specific attention to issues relating to abuse of human rights so as to be able to document such infractions where they occur as well as the victims and perpetrators for necessary action in accordance with local and international human rights and legal instruments” the statement said.