By Chuks NZEH
Civil Society groups under the aegis of Afrihealth Optonet Association (CSOs Network) have called on the Nigerian voting populace to come out en mass starting from Saturday, 16th February 2019, to vote for their preferred candidates, towards preserving democracy and ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria.
A statement released by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje,
National Coordinator, Afrihealth Optonet Association reads in part:
“Afrihealth Optonet Association and it’s network partners are promoting Democracy and urging all eligible voters to come out en mass to vote for their preferred candidates on the ballot, and be vigilant to ensure that they protect their votes and the integrity of the democratic processes at all electoral levels in Nigeria.
Dr.. Adirieje who is also the South East Zonal Coordinator of the Civil Society coalition for sustainable development (CSCSD) also stated that “We are also urging the political parties and their candidates to abide by the laws and rules and regulations guiding the elections. We are encouraging our members and partners in the various States of Federation to monitor the process impartially.
“We request the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to respond to critical questions concerning their impartiality and to continue to be fair to all the parties and candidates so as to bring about a transparently free, fair and credible electoral process.
“We are urging the police, and other law enforcement agents to be an impartial arbiters. We urge the military to resist all trappings to get involved in the management of the elections, as we believe the other agencies are equal to the task.
“We challenge the political parties, their candidates and agents to ensure peaceful campaigns and avoid inflammatory and inciting utterances capable of precipitating crises in the country.
“We wish Nigeria and all Nigerians peace anchored on justice to I enable our country create a conducive atmosphere for the achievement of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” he noted.