Pulse.ng : 2023: No alternative to free, fair, credible election

Agency Report

By Muhammad Tijjani

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barnawa branch in Kaduna State, said the ideals of democracy would only be sustained through free, fair and credible election.

The Vice Chairman of the branch, Mr Ehizogie Imadojemu made the remarks in a paper on “Free , Fair and Credible Election: The People’s Right”.

He made the presentation at a town hall meeting on the 2023 general elections, organised by Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna.

“There is no alternative to free and fair election in a democracy.

“It is ineluctable and non-negotiable if the people are to enjoy the government of the people, by the people and for the people,” he added.

He explained that free, fair and credible election allowed voters to choose their leaders without restriction, control, using dishonest methods or discrimination.

Imadojemu, who is also the Chairman, Human Rights Committee of the NBA, Barnawa branch, added that democracy thrives on rule of law.

“The absence of these qualities combined, strips democracy of its meaning, effect, value and potency,” he said.

According to him, elections loses its essence and fails to be a democratic if it lacks freeness, fairness and credibility.

He added that failure to allow free and fair election was a breach of the fundamental rights of the electorates to freely choose their representatives.

“It is the right of every eligible Nigerian to come out and vote their choice,” he added, and urged all stakeholders to do the right to ensure free, fair and credible election come 2023.

Also, the Chairman of ACF, Kaduna State chapter, Alhaji Lawal Mayere, called on Nigerians to elect quality and competent leaders devoid of sentiments, so that the country can move forward.

“Nigerians must unite to forge ahead, we have alot of natural and human resources and we can’t afford to lose any of them because some people wanted leadership at all cost,” Mayere said.

Earlier, Chairman of the NBA branch, Mr Vitus Ewuzie, said the programme was part of advocacy to sensitize the public on the need to allow free, fair and credible election in 2023.

“As members of the bar, we are doing everything possible to ensure voters are educated on their various political rights.

“It is their civic responsibility and fundamental human right as voters, to exercise their franchise,” he added.

The Coordinator JDPC, Rev. Fr Joshua Achi, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given assurance of credible election with the introduction of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines.

Achi expressed the hope that all stakeholders would support INEC in ensuring that the general elections were free, fair and credible.

“That is a sign of hope, to us we are doing the needful to educate and enlighten our people to get their Permanent Voters Card and vote credible leaders without sentiment,” he added

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the town hall meeting was a partnership with , Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) Kaduna state chapter, Kaduna Ecclesiastical province and Development, peace initiative (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna.(NAN)