The Chairman, Coalition of Nigerian Youth Groups (CNYG), Mr Maximilian Tashilani says from all indications, President Muhammadu Buhari is not only desirous of leaving a good legacy of a free and fair election but also poised to ensure that all institutions responsible for delivering credible elections are truly independent.
Tashini disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday on the role of INEC and Judiciary in ensuring a credible election in 2023.
The news conference is in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG ).
He said that the general election was more than a deciding moment for the country hence it was time Nigerians came together to uphold unity, sanctity and integrity.
“ As a body, we will not shy away from our responsibility of drawing the nation’s attention to some acts that are capable of derailing the efforts made by Nigerians to ensure the elections are credible and hitch free.
” Adequate voter education is the solution for delivering free, fair, and credible elections as such education equips voters with their rights and responsibilities.
“ Despite the difficulties INEC faces in discharging their responsibilities, we urge them to intensify more efforts to ensure they deliver to the people a free and fair election,” he said.
Tashini said that recently, the coalition of civil societies petitioned the National Assembly insisting on the sack of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tajudeen Ariwoola over alleged partisanship.
He said Nigerians were enthusiastic about the coming election which is less than 50 days away, adding that a lot of Nigerians had expressed fears about the manipulation of the judiciary and the judicial system.
He also cited examples where judges gave contrary court orders, injunctions, and judgments that do not have precedence in judicial jurisprudence.
“ We have seen where courts make declaration and installing people who were never voted for in an election.
“ As we approach the 2023 general election, the judiciary will definitely be in the eyes of the storm,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jacob Okpanachi, Convener of CNYG said that the coalition would not fold its arms and allow anarchy to pervade into the system.
Okpanachi challenged all government institutions and agencies to live up to their expectations and perform their constitutional roles as required by law without fear or favour.
He, however, advised Nigerians to rally round and encourage those institutions poised at making sure we have a united that Nigeria that works for everyone.
