The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Wednesday petitioned, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding a credible exercise ahead of the governorship election in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States,
HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, petitioned INEC while speaking at the entrance of the headquarters of INEC in Abuja.
Onwubiko asked that result sheets from all local government areas in states where the off cycle election will be taking place should be signed by the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu and counter-signed by electoral officers of each Local Government Area and Resident Electoral Commissioner.
HURIWA National coordinator also insisted that INEC must closely work with security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of voters, election officials, and stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
He tasked the electoral body to intensify voter education and sensitization programmes to ensure that voters are well-informed about the electoral process, their rights, and the importance of peaceful participation in the elections.
According to him: "Our primary objective is to ensure that these elections are conducted peacefully, freely, and fairly, in line with the highest democratic standards and principles that INEC embodies.
"Demands for Peaceful, Free, and Fair Elections; Transparency and Accountability: We call upon INEC to ensure the highest level of transparency and accountability in the electoral process for Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States.
"To achieve this, we demand that the result sheets from all local government areas be signed by the INEC Chairman and counter-signed by electoral officers of each Local Government Area (LGA) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
"Security and Safety: It is imperative that INEC work closely with security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of voters, election officials, and all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
"Adequate security measures must be put in place to prevent violence and intimidation, thereby creating an environment where every citizen can exercise their right to vote without fear.
"Transparency in Collation and Announcement of Results: We call upon INEC to ensure that the collation and announcement of election results are done in a transparent and verifiable manner, allowing citizens and observers to witness the process.
"The credibility of the electoral process depends on open and honest results reporting.
"Voter Education and Sensitization: INEC should intensify voter education and sensitization programs to ensure that voters are well-informed about the electoral process, their rights, and the importance of peaceful participation in the elections.
"Allegations Regarding the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State
We bring to your attention the serious allegations against the current Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State.
"It has come to our knowledge that she is allegedly the biological sister of Mr. Emma Eneukwu, the Deputy National Chairman, South East of the All Progressives Congress (APC)."
He added: "While we acknowledge that individuals have the right to their political affiliations, the perceived familial relationship raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and impartiality.
"Therefore, we call upon INEC to investigate these allegations thoroughly and, if substantiated, consider the withdrawal of the current Resident Electoral Commissioner to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
"we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to take our concerns and demands into serious consideration.
"The forthcoming elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States are a vital part of our democratic process, and they must reflect the will and aspirations of the people. It is crucial that they are conducted peacefully, freely, and fairly to preserve the credibility of our electoral system.
"We look forward to INEC's commitment to promoting these principles and to the creation of an inclusive, transparent, and accountable electoral process that will stand as an example to the world."
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