News
Nigeria: Group Accuses
Governors of Subverting Democracy
WITH the April polls around the corner in Nigeria, a Niger Delta
group has accused state governors, particularly those of the
ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of subverting democracy in
the country.
The group is accusing the governors of what they described as
''high level of political intolerance''. The group is therefore,
pushing that governors be held responsible if the electoral
process collapses.
In an on-line statement on Monday to AkanimoReports, the group,
Niger Delta Universal Periodic Review Coalition, said they are
deeply concerned about the high level of intolerance being
exhibited by state governors and their supporters in most parts
of the country ahead of the coming April elections.
Co-ordinator of the group, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said they are
particularly piqued that governors are allegedly denying
citizens their right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
Continuing, the group claimed that the governors concerned are
violating some profound priciples of the United Nations.
According to them, ''Nigeria on September 30, 2010, at the 15th
session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, joined other
member nations to vote overwhelmingly for the establishment of
the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom
of Peaceful Assembly and Association .The mandate of the
rapporteur is to amongst others help hold governments
accountable for their restrictions on the activities of non
state actors.
''This singular action was a testament to the country’s
determination to ensure that all her citizens enjoy these basic
fundamental rights equally irrespective of political
affiliations, ethnicity or sex''.
The coalition is claiming that recent events in the country in
which opposition parties and their candidates are finding it
difficult to assemble peacefully at desired locations to launch
their campaigns and rallies are not only condemnable but has
called to question Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of
these rights.
''From Rivers State to Kaduna State , from Ondo State to Akwa
Ibom State , from Benue State to Kwara State , the story is the
same'', the group said, claiming that some opposition parties
are not allowed access to campaign venues.
Adding, they said, ''in some other states; they are made to
launch their campaigns outside the capital city of their states.
This is not only a serious danger on our bumpy road to democracy
but a big threat capable of truncating the electoral process and
imperiling the country’s survival as a nation''.
While appreciating the steps being taken by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free and fair
election, the coalition said, ''we are calling on state
governments, the ruling political parties in the states of the
federation and other stakeholders to create a level playing
field for all parties especially in respecting their right to
freedom of peaceful assembly in a location of their choice''.
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