We have observed with deep concern the many shortcomings that characterized the conduct of the National Elections of 25th February, 2023.
We are concerned about how a few men of means have decided deliberately albeit in cahoots with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to frustrate the electoral process and if you like threaten our democracy and peace.
From the shoddiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in deploying Staff and facilities early enough, to the failure to upload results in premium time using the BVAS. From the visible complicity of INEC Staff in collusion with certain Political Big-weights to delay the release of results, to Voter Suppression in States like Lagos, Rivers and Delta. From the tommy-rot about No-Upload-Code from INEC to the worrying information of certain VIPs manipulating the entire process. And from the extreme delay and lack of prompt deployment in States like Anambra, Abia, Lagos, Imo, Kogi, some parts of Abuja et al to deliberately frustrating the use of the BVAS to upload results. The story is massively worrisome and troubling.
We are concerned that a few political operators have placed their egos and individual ambition above the collective. We are worried that they cannot read the mood of the nation and have chosen to constitute an omnious clog in the wheel of democratic transition after almost 24years of democracy. And we are troubled that they have elected to turn a blind eye to the urgency of now. To these men of power, we caution, be weary what you hatch at night for the bright light of day shall blind you still.
We are calling on Mr President, Alhaji Mohammadu Buhari GCFR to call the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to order, knowing that the masses shall resist any attempt to sabotage the will of the people so manifestly expressed in the polls on the 25th of February, 2023.
We call on the Nigerian Military and the Police to protect the democratic space by ensuring that all delayed and rescheduled Polls for the 26th of February, 2023 are held without threat to the masses, and any breach of security as was the case with the polls in Lagos, Rivers and Delta on the 25th of February, 2023 dealt with utmost alacrity.
We plead with the Nigerian People to exercise restraint as we follow through with the electoral process believing that Mr President shall live true to his promise to leave a legacy of free, fair and transparent elections.
To INEC we insist that nothing but a free, fair, transparent and credible polls can assuage the Nigerian People who have spoken clearly across the nation, do not therefore test the will and the resolve of the Nigerian People. In all you do, please put COUNTRYFIRST.
May God Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria, and shame the enemies of democracy who conspire against the credibility of the democratic process, and against the peace, progress and unity of Nigeria.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT.
