Maku urges politicians to work towards free, fair elections 2015

•Maku

•Labanan Maku: still dreams to be governor

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, on Monday urged politicians to work towards free and fair elections in 2015 by accepting defeat when necessary.

Maku made this submission in Abuja at a forum for senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He observed that the level of the electoral process was deteriorating and urged politicians to work towards free and fair elections.

The minister said the country was passing through a developmental process that required every security organisations to join the efforts of the government to combat electoral fraud.

“Some politicians think that we are preparing for war in 2015; they should stop scaring the masses.

“Election is a game where you either loose or win, and no man is indispensable, only Nigeria is indispensable and politicians should imbibe that attitude that the populace either elect you or reject you.

“Election is the pillar of any democracy; elections provide the medium for people to select their leaders and the masses should be allowed to exercise their franchise.”

He further said Mr President was committed to free and fair elections and that the government was also depending on security agencies to enforce this.

“The masses need to be assured that their lives are safe as they come out to exercise their franchise.”

•Labanan Maku
•Labanan Maku

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, said there was need for peace in the country. Abolurin said that there was need for a credible election come 2015, hence the need for the training.

Related News

“The NSCDC is making sure that 2015 elections will be very free and fair, we will ensure transparency. This will involve the use of trained dogs and intelligent equipment to enforce,” Abolurin said.

He told stakeholders at all levels to carry the message of peace and conflict prevention to ensure development.

Pa-Lamin Beyai, the Resident Representative to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), pledged to support the country towards achieving credible polls.

Beyai said UNDP supports electoral growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. “In the last few decades, a number of African countries including Nigeria have witnessed a challenging phenomenon where elections have become so violent.

“They have become a security concern rather than a celebration of democracy, there are loss of lives, destruction of properties and all what not.

“We, therefore, need to build and consolidate the electoral process,” he said.

He added that the training would enable the officers to enhance their past achievements and experiences in ensuring credible elections in Nigeria.

“The workshop will empower senior officers to fulfill the efforts of peace officers at their respective commands through enforcing peace and other alternative mechanisms particularly towards free and fair elections.

“UNDP will continue to work with all peace initiators in Nigeria including the NSCDC to prevent civil violence both at the national and local levels.”

Load more