.as IPAC urges scrap of state election commissions

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The SOS Children’s Villages, a Non Governmental Organization, NGO, has asked Nigerians to fully participate in  governance of the country in order to hold leaders accountable.

The Consortium Manager of SOS Children’s Villages, David Daniel made the call at
a One-Day Townhall Meeting with Strategic Community Stakeholders from Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue state with the theme: “Reflection on the Outcomes and Learning of Election in Benue state for Sustainable Peace and Strengthened Democracy in Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigerians could only question the policies and programmes of the government when they fully participate in bringing the government into place.

He said:”That is why we must fully participate in the making of the government and also participate in governance of the country in order to hold leaders accountable.

“Again, we must understand the implications of the choices we make when electing our leaders and ensure that we elect those who would provide good leadership.”

While enjoining Nigerians with proven capacity to always present themselves for elective positions, the Consortium Manager regretted that many well qualified individuals were not making themselves available for elective positions thereby denying the electorates the benefits of their vast knowledge.

In his contribution, the Benue State Chairman of Inter Party Advosory Council, IPAC, Ibrahim Idoko who commended SOS Children’s Villages for organising the Townhall meeting stated that Nigerians had lost faith in State Independent Electoral Commissions and called for constitutional provisions scrapping them and entrusting the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with the responsibility of conducting local government elections in the country.

He also urged for constitutional provisions making the electronic transmission of election results mandatory. “So we are agitating that electronic transfer and transmission of election results should be made constitutional and there should be prescribed punishment for violators.”

The District Head of Ugondo Community in Makurdi LGA, Chief Justin Ihwakar who commended the organisation for putting the meeting together assured of the cooperation of the traditional institution to ensure peace in the communities.

Also, INEC represented by its Public Relations Officer, Terkaa Andyar lauded SOS Children’s Villages for the meeting. He urged Nigerians to always exercise their franchise during elections and always ensure and demand good governance and accountability from leaders.

Speaking for Faith Based Organisations, FBOs, Dr. Comfort Aba challenged the youths to take the lead in ensuring purposeful leadership by shunning all acts that could frustrate efforts at ensuring transparent and credible elections and enthroning good governance in the country.

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, represented by Terfa Tsevende, an Assistant Director Special Duties, noted that the meeting would help deepen democracy and enthrone good governance in the state.

The meeting which drew participants from various sectors in the state had in attendance representatives of security organisations, the Muslim and Christian communities, persons with disability, youths and women groups among others.