SCDDD's Council of Wise Seeks Timely Release Of Funds For INEC Ahead 2023 Elections

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

A Non Governmental Organization under the aegis of Council Of The Wise Of Savannah Centre For Diplomacy, Democracy And Development has called on the federal government to provide Independent National Electoral Commission with timely release of funds for the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections.

The Chairperson of the council, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa who made the call on Tuesday while addressing a world press conference in Abuja also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to follow up by ensuring that public institutions and officials comply with the electoral laws.

The former President, Court of Appeal (Retired), noted that the integrity of the elections largely depends on it's management by INEC who should be guided by the remarkable success so far achieved from 2015 to date. 

"As a neutral and independent institution, INEC must be fair and just to all political parties, candidates and electorates. The use of electronic gargets and other modern devices by INEC is a welcome development and must be properly managed in order to enhance the integrity of the elections and to fully reflect the choice of the people". She added.

The council however called on all political parties to abide by their constitutions, the electoral laws and guidelines issued by INEC in order to prevent violence or any act that would adversely affect the integrity of the elections.

"It is very necessary for them to discharge their responsibilities to their members and indeed the nation, without recourse to violence. Leadership of political parties should take steps to compare their members and officials to fully comply with the electoral laws and guidelines issued by INEC in order to develop a culture of integrity and trust. 

To Presidential, Governorship, National and State Assemblies Candidates, the council advice is that they should canvas the support of electorates with sincerity, dignity, maturity and mutual respect. Their electioneering campaigns should be devoid of rancor, hate speech, inflammatory and unguided ulterances capable of instigating violence.

It is imperative that campaigns are based on issues and not personal attacks, vendatta, thuggery.

The council wishes to express it's appreciation to the religious leaders for the prayers they have been offering for Peace, Unity and Progress to prevail in country and to also urge them to intensify in their prayers. The council equally appeal to them to ensure that their adherents promote religious practices and tolerance, mutual respect so that the devil will have no means of creating any misunderstanding or hatred between adherents of religions in Nigeria". It noted.

According to the Chairperson, the youth as future leaders of the nation should be wiser by refusing to allow themselves to be used against the people. "NO youth should allow himself or herself to be used as an agent of hate speech or violence in the coming elections and beyond". She added.