The Nigeria Civil Society Desk, a coalition of 30 Independent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the Six geo-political Zones of Nigeria has applauded President Buhari for his listening ears and attaining to the yeaning of Nigerians even at this challenging and critical periods in the history of Nigeria.
In a press release jointly signed by Nigeria Civil Society Desk National Coordinator, Engr. M. A. E. Hashidu and National Secretary, Dr. Isaac E.O. Iduma, they said that Technology played the critical role of a third force, especially, the electronic transmission of results from polling units to collation Centres which had significantly enhanced transparency should be allowed to take root and the effective domestication of these technologies can only become part and parcel of our electoral system if the man who has set the machinery on motion but has demonstrated a very high standards, with clear determination and desire to leave a legacy of free , fair and credible elections in Nigeria be reconsidered for a seconds term in office.
Excerpt is the text of the press briefing:
"Our shared vision and mission is gear towards deepening democracy and good governance within the frame work of the rule of law while articulating norms ethics that can help further strengthening the democratic values and practices in our beloved country Nigeria.
"Arising from our Press Briefing a couple of weeks ago, we called on the Federal Government stating the need and reasons for the re-appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the second term. Our calls did not fall on deaf ears as the president and commander – in – chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari GCFR in his wisdom approved the re- appointment of the incumbent Chairman last week to oversee (once more) the electoral umpire for another 5- years tenure, so as to continue with the good job he has started 5 years ago.
"As Independent, and nonprofit Organizations Internationally and Locally known as Domestic Election Observer Groups that have been observing and monitoring elections processes in Nigeria since inception of the 4th Republic which ushered in new Democratic Order since 1999 to date, want to emphatically state here without fear or favour that we have been working and monitoring the Commission very closely right from that time till this present dispensation, but had never recommended or moved to advocate for Re-appointment of any INEC Chairman. But haven reviewed and analyzed the past and the present Commission, essentially, with the conceptual ideologies, technological innovations, and the professionalism of the present Commission lead by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, we discovered that there is absolute need for continuity to enable him consolidate and accomplish the novel and robust innovations, particularly with the newly introduced Technologies into our electoral system, would no doubt deepens electioneering process and build more confidence between the electorate, other relevant stakeholders and electoral architecture in particular.
"Importantly, we noticed with joy a paradigm shift during the just concluded Edo and Ondo State Governorship Elections. Undoubtedly, Technology played the critical role of a third force, especially, the electronic transmission of results from polling units to collation Centres which had significantly enhanced transparency should be allowed to take root and the effective domestication of these technologies can only become part and parcel of our electoral system if the man who has set the machinery on motion but has demonstrated a very high standards, with clear determination and desire to leave a legacy of free , fair and credible elections in Nigeria be reconsidered for a seconds term in office.
"However, one major factor that stands out is the technology that was deployed in the electioneering process in Edo and Ondo Governorship elections by the Commission was the Zpad, and we are aware that there are more innovations in INEC Blue Prints under his leadership that may further advanced the course of democracy and good governance in the country which will gradually lead to electronic voting as many Nigerians are already yenning for it to reduce the burdens of voters standing on the queue for a whole day.
"Therefore, we want to use this medium to make this passionate appeal to the two Arms of National Assembly to support and confirm Mr. President Re-appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu by asking him to simply give a bow.
Finally, we wish to once more use this opportunity to make a Clarian call on all our teaming youths across the Country, especially the EndSARS Protesters to sheath their swords and approach the culture of peace, dialogue and give the Federal Government chance to look into their grievances with a view to addressing the issues raised. Also we are appealing to those who have hijacked the process to stop taken the laws their hands by vandalizing and destruction of lives and public properties.
"Once more, we wish to thank our able an" amiable President Muhammadu Buhari for taken the Bull by the horns to re-nominate Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive Chairman of INEC for another 5 years term.
We also want to seize this opportunity to congratulate Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for a well-deserved re-appointment, and we want to urge him not to relent on his Oars but redouble his efforts and ensure that the card reader technology as well as z pad electronic transmission of results, to which he has demonstrated absolute resolve, is made part and parcel of electoral system .
"We wish to reassure him as a coalition and partners in the quest for true and fundamental reforms. We shall continue to support his well-intended innovations and do wish him and his team a very best in his onerous tasks of taking our electoral efforts to a higher pedestal.
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
LIST OF THE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR SIGNATURE
S/N NAME OF ORGANIZATION Names
1. National Committee of Patriots
Engr. M. A. E. Hashidu
2. Centre For Strategic Conflict Management
Dr. Isaac E.O. Iduma
3. Centre Foe Sustenance of Civil Rule In Africa. Chief Gilbert Oloksusi
4. Global Development Centre For Rescue Mission In Nigeria. Emeh Friday Eleojo
5. Citizens Rights & Leadership Awakes Initiative. Peter Nwokolo
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