Commonwealth observers, activists worry over violence

Commonwealth Observer group and Civil Society Organisations, yesterday expressed worry over the spate of violence preceeding  the elections.

The groups spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

INEC also reaffirmed its guidelines yesterday but contrary to the directive of Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Ringim, it said Nigerians would be free to take their cell phones to polling stations.

The Commonwealth Observer Group led by former President of Botswana Festus Mogae told reporters that the mission is concerned like other African and Commonwealth countries about the spate of violence and other challenges besetting democracy in Nigeria.

 “Nigeria is a very big country in Africa and my country, Botswana has a population of only two million… You Nigerians have been governing yourselves a little less well than your smaller brothers. We are concerned that you have not managed yourselves as well as you can,” said Mogae who recalled that while studying in the United Kingdom in 1963, 63 Nigerians were called to the Bar.

 Mogae expressed optimism that INEC would set example by displaying integrity, impartiality, and technical competence, adding that his group looks forward to seeing political parties respect the rules of the game, focus on issues and reject violence.

“Violence may mar elections, though, it has been recorded in isolated places, the quality of elections may be affected in those areas. Let us exercise common sense and restraint; we are concerned about election. We are apprehensive about the violence, but the violence may not necessarily affect the overall credibility of the election.

 “In the wake of the flawed 2007 elections, it is vital that Nigeria writes a new electoral chapter, restoring public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and process. All stakeholders must play their due role in that quest.”

Mogae also said his group had met with some critical stakeholders including General Muhammadu Buhari, and that given the closeness of the election; it might not be possible to meet everyone needed to be met.

 About 40 civil society organisations under the auspices of the Nigeria Elections Situation Room have condemned political violence.

In a statement signed by co-directors, Mr. Clement Nwankwo and Dr Jibrin Ibrahim, they warned that “the unprecedented levels of violence that have seen several people either killed, maimed, kidnapped or intimidated for political reasons pose the single most significant threat to the conduct of general elections beginning in only a few days.”