The Joint Action Civil Society Coalition notes with deep concern the trajectory of violence and the tilt towards anarchy in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states. We note in particular the spate of violent attacks and killings in Bayelsa state and call on all stakeholders to make concerted efforts to mitigate further losses as the elections reach flag off.
From all indications, it would seem that this set of elections may repeat our reoccurring history characterized by violent pre and post-election episodes, resulting in the wanton destruction of lives and property. Given the loss of at least 521 lives in our recently concluded general elections of 23rd February and 9th March, 2019, the need to address early warning signs of violence should have been apparent to the Nigerian government and its security apparatus, and should have served as a learning curve to urgently address security threats and deescalate tensions in both states. Barely 24 hours to the gubernatorial elections, reports of arson, and the death of at least 4 citizens in Bayelsa state; and several episodes of violent clashes between political rivals, with each side accusing the other of deploying armed thugs to sabotage the elections in both states.
The context painted above is beyond worrying and raises certain concerns:
- Concerns of ongoing violence leading to the run-up of the elections may deter the participation of electorates in fulfilling their civic rights as tensions heighten.
- Political thuggery and intimidation, leading to the elections, insinuates post-election violence, rouses fear, and strains the already existing air of tension amongst citizens.
- Despite the appreciable security deployments in these states, the violence has persisted and is spiralling out of control.
While we reiterate that the credibility of elections is sacrosanct and the value of life of citizens should not be compromised, as Kogi and Bayelsa states head to the polls, we call on the Federal Government to:
- Live up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property and promoting the welfare of all who live in Nigeria by ensuring maximum security of electorates and observers.
- Take clear and measurable steps to end the impunity that has trailed electoral violence by ordering for a full investigation to expose and bring the perpetrators of electoral violence to justice.
- Ensure the effectiveness of state security in the exercise of their roles towards ensuring a peaceful, violence-free election in these states.
- Ensure that security personnel are held accountable for breach of peace in areas where they have been deployed to function.
- All functions must be exercised with respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Finally, we salute the courage and gallantry of our electoral and security agents who have continued to uphold our peace and unity in extremely difficult circumstances, and sometimes under extreme provocation. We assure them that their efforts are not in vain and that Nigerians applaud their efforts. Respect for the rules of engagement will never go out of fashion and will be their saving grace for legitimacy with the very people their have sworn to protect.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Tosin Gbolasere Chikanne Ezigbo
For The Joint Action Civil Society Coalition
contact@nigeriamourns.org
