The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Social Action, Center for Environment Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) and the Campaign for Transformative Governance, and other 124 groups have demanded the sanction of the National Communication Commission (NCC) for misleading the National Assembly on the possibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit voting results.
The groups at a press conference decried the attempt by the NCC to allow the use of electronic transmission of election results. According to the groups, “Credible elections not just elections, are at the heart of democracy and so does any threat to this portend not just great danger, but risk to the sustenance of the said democracy. This threat cum risk patently extends to the stability, peace, and security of the country itself.
“The orchestrated plot against the electronic transmission of votes in Nigeria by anti-democratic elements who have no iota of love or interest of Nigeria or the common man at heart and being arrow-headed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is a case in point that aptly captures this threat-scenario.
“Nigerians watched in awe as officials of the NCC, including ranking ones; its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umaru Danbatta and Executive Director, Maska Ubiale, who ordinarily were expected to know better and act with greater sense of responsibility and patriotism, took to the floor of the National Assembly to unleash a rehearse of groundless fabrications, deliberate falsehoods, including self-contradictions with the sole purpose of taking down proposed electronic transmission of votes, a key and critical element pivotal to credible elections in Nigeria and of which the National Assembly had slated for deliberation and passage. The N.C.C officials, in their blind quest to achieve their insidious agenda, contradicted all factual and evidential prognosis, data, etc that clearly point to the fact that electoral votes can be effectively transmitted electronically.”
They averred that the benefits of electronic transmission of votes cannot be over emphasized, as they are profound; transmitting votes electronically drastically reduces credibility issues associated with manual transmission of voting tallies during elections; it reduces costs in very significant levels and same as associated risks to persons (ad hoc) and officials handling manual transmission.
It added that electronic transmission of votes has become the norm in the world and the INEC has courageously stated that votes can be transmitted electronically, and that it has the capacity to carry out this. This stance it declared after due and exhaustive synergetic works and consultations with all machineries and entities relevant to the process including, the N.C.C.
The groups added that, “It is therefore the height of perfidy for the Vice Chairman of NCC, in collusion with the Commission’s Executive Director and other officials of the NCC to embark on deliberate falsehood, hoodwink and mis-lead of gullible lawmakers and by extension Nigerians on the electronic transmission of votes in Nigeria, up to the point of the Commission over-reaching itself even on verifiable facts as on broadband penetration, etc that are within public domain cum knowledge, all in a bid to satisfy certain entrenched political interests.
“What the N.C.C officials have done is a huge betrayal of public trust and therefore criminal. They have also treated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under which they swore on oath of honesty before the floor of the NASS, with contempt and scorn. Both are serious infractions that need be held to account.
“We therefore strongly and unequivocally demand as follows.
- That the National Assembly blacklists the NCC officials who colluded and presented falsified information and falsehoods to mislead it on a matter as critical to sustainable democracy and national stability as the electronic transmission of electoral votes.
- That the Inspector General of Police promptly sets in motion, machinery to arrest, investigate and prosecute all the N.C.C officials who participated in this ignominious perfidy at the floor of the National Assembly including the arrowhead Mr Ubiale Manzo. This action should be extended to any other external collaborators who participated in this criminal plot.
- That the Inspector General of Police must within 14-days from today carry out the above duty, failure of which Nigerians will be mobilized across all divides to promptly pursue other course or courses within our powers as citizens of this country to compel him to act as should.
- That the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should ignore all the orchestrations of anti-democratic shenanigans and courageously dedicate itself to conducting a free, fair and credible elections and importantly transmit voters tallies electronically as they have the backing of Nigerian Citizens.
- That Nigerians knowing now who their real enemies are, should mobilize against all their representatives that voted against electronic transmission of vote tallies.
- That Mr. President should only give ascent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 after:
- The deletion of the proviso to Section 52(2) that requires transmission of election results by INEC to be subjected to the clearance of NCC and NASS since that fly on the face of every known norm or practice in any electoral process globally especially as it erodes the independence of INEC and will ultimately lead to electoral crises which he must not allow to happen.
- The deletion of Section 65 that has removed the powers of INEC to review results declared under duress or in contravention of electoral law and guidelines.
- The deletion of Section 88 which has completely monetized the democratic process as only moneybags can contest elections in Nigeria as campaign expenses for the presidential election have been increased from N1 billion to N15 billion; the governorship election, from N200 million to N5 billion; Senate poll, from N40 million to N1.5 billion; House of Representatives, from N30 million to N500 million; and the State House of Assembly election, from N10 million to N50 million. In a country where the national minimum wage is N30,000 only the stupendously rich who may have stolen public fund or sponsored by drug barons can run for public offices.
The statement was signed by
- Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria – Chima Williams
- Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) – Vivian Bellonwu
- Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development – Styven Obodoekwe
- Campaign for Transformative Governance – Jaye Gaskia
This statement is further supported and endorsed by:
- The Peoples Alternative Political Movement (TPAP-M) – Omotoye Olorode
- Liberation Party – Awopetu Idowu
- Health of Mother Earth Foundation – Nnimmo Bassey
- Centre for Accountability and Public Participation Africa – Philip Jakpor
- Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre – Auwal Ibrahim Musa
- Socialist Congress of Nigeria – Akin Fasoranbaku
- Centre for Information Technology and Development – Y. Z. Ya’u
- Tubali Development Initiative – Hauwa Mustapha
- Caring Heart Initiative for Advocacy, Development & Empowerment – Grace Ese Obakina
- Cee-Hope Nigeria – Betty Abah
- Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement – Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo
- African Centre for Media & Information Literacy – Chido Onuma
- Host Communities Network of Nigeria – Prince Barbs Preye Pawuru
- Good Talk Development Initiative – Otto Ikpe
- Civil Liberties Organization, South South Zone – Karl Uchegbu
- Kebethkache Women Development and Resource Centre – Emem Okon
- Centre for Media, Environment and Development Communication – Constance Meju
- Socio Economic Research and Development Centre – Tijani Abdulkareem
- Rainbow Watch Development and Resource Centre – Michael Gbarale
- Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign – Prince Wiro
- Arise for Gender and Livelihoods Initiative – Deborah Effiong
- Pius Dukor Foundation – Pius Dukor
- Disabilities Awareness Welfare Development and Rights Initiative – Sharon Chidiebere Ohaka
- Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy – Taiwo Otitolaye
- ANPEZ Centre for Environment and Development – Everest Nwankwo
- Initiative for Community Development – Benjamin Ogbalor
- Centre for Transparency Advocacy – Faith Nwadishi
- Koyenum Immalah Foundation – MacDonald Ekemezie
- Network on Good Governance – Peter Nwadishi
- Lekeh Development Foundation – Nbani Friday Barilule
- Community Development Advocacy Foundation – Benin Richard
- Solomon Shepherd Foundation – Iyobhebhe S. O.
- Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Centre – Kadu Anthony Aalo
- Gbolekekro Women and Youth Empowerment and Development Organization – Cynthia Buluebiere Bright
- Egbema Voice of Freedom – Evaristus Nicholas
- Community Forest Watch – Ajele Sunday
- Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria – Chike Jideani
- Re-educating Africans on the Risks and Dangers of Unplanned Journeys Abroad & Empowering the Youths – Evans Ehiremen
- Center for Development Support Initiatives – Mina Ogbanga
- Association of Rural Chiefs for Peace and Development – Alagbo Nengi James
- Civil Liberties Organization Bayelsa State Branch – David West
- Niger Delta Development Monitoring Group – Okorobia Gideon
- Peace Point Development Foundation – Umo Isua-Ikoh
- Women Rights and Empowerment Initiative – Onwuka C.C.
- Protest to Power Movement – Motunde Nathaniel
- Take Back Nigeria Movement – Godwin Frank
- Grassroots Development and Empowerment Foundation – Patrick Amah
- Foundation for Good Governance and Social Change – Austin Osakue
- Mothers And Marginalized Advocacy Centre – Chioma Kanu
- Youths Against Disaster Initiative – Abubakar Jimoh
- One Love Community Development – Agboro Andrew
- Development Outreach International – Okpara A. Ndidi
- Policy Alert – Nneka Luke-Ndumere
- Final Push (Nig) Movement – Friday O. Ogierhiakhi
- Africa Centre For Environmental and Rural Development – Nohwo Fred
- Centre For Rural Emancipation Economic & Social Development – Christian C. Okororie
- Organization for the Sustainance of the Nigerian Environment – Angela Okoye
- Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development – Egondu Esinwoke
- Jamessira Centre for Development – Bagbi K. Innocent
- Rivers Community Content Initiative – Henry Eferegbo
- Media Awareness and Justice Initiative – Okoro Onyekachi Emmanuel
- Hands to Help International Foundation – Mercy Awhana Alakis
- Okerio Okoro Anthony Development Foundation – Joy Okerio
- Reed Center – Voke Ighorodje
- Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative – Edewor Egedegbe
- Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development – Kadiri A. Mariam
- Initiative for Peace and Stability – Joy Tobele
- Hope 4life Initiative – Ogana Johnson
- Participatory Initiative for Peace and Development – Robert Osahor
- Centre for Community Excellence – Adamu Abubakar Kotorkoshi
- Society for Women and Youths Affairs – Amanie Stella
- MBA Okase Initiative – Patience Osaroejiji
- Centre for Truth and Liberty – Olusesan Semaiye
- Development & Integrity Intervention Goal Foundation – Ajah Chima Oliver
- Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution Center – George Etamesor
- Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre – Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface
- More Action Less Talk – Alpha J. Marshall
- Sunshine Progressive Youth Alliance – Joel Samuel Feyisola
- Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation – Kelechukwu Okezie
- Global Care Rescue Mission – Egbe Princess M. Elizabeth
- Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development – Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
- Great Gender Grassroots Foundation – Leah O. Solomon
- Chiroma Yakubu Charity Foundation – Ahmed Bala Gassol
- Women and Young People Awareness Initiative – Ovenaone Jennifer Uniga
- Save Life Community Initiative – Joshua David Kaka
- Dephee Peace and Community Development Initiative – Bulus Audu Daniel
- Tansana Health and Community Integrated Development Initiative – Yoila Samari Raymond
- Center for Peace Education and Community Development – Joseph Gimba
- Peace and Development Projects – Francis Abayomi
- Initiative for Women Empowerment and Development – Assumpta Nwakanma
- Society for Economic Rights and Social Justice – Andy Orji
- Initiative For Ideal Development and Leadership In Nigeria – Nwokocha Anozie Innocent
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Initiative – Loretta Ahuokpeme
- Development Research and Synergy Initiative – Princess Victoria Umoh
- Status for Youths Development and Total Health Initiative/Patriotic Leaders of Nigeria – Otobo Denis
- Global Network for Peace and Development – Sylvester Okoduwa
- The Southern Free Press Incorporated – Anthony Ita Etim
- Legislative Media Advocacy Initiative – Kehinde Akintola
- Association of Women Farmers of Nigeria – Joan N. Obazee
- Public Enlightenment Projects – Lilian Ezenwa
- Samsuji Global Rescue Foundation – Samuel Chibueze Osuji
- Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society – Okoye Chuka Peter
- Centre for Sustained Dialogue – Omotosho Hakeem
- Take A Cue Development Initiative – Abiola Daisy Igaga
- The Havids Centre for Environment & Development – Macmorrison Harry
- Women Youths and Children Advancement Program – Agatha Osieke
- Ndoki Youth Federation – Henry Okebugwu Nwigwe
- Rural Health and Women Development – Regina Fabian
- League of Queens International Empowerment – Idongesit Alexander
- Women Initiative on Climate Change – Nne Umoren
- Alauchi Women Development Initiative – Glory Alexander
- Egi Women Human Right Environmental Justice Initiative – Precious Ibegwura
- Uyo Iban Amplifier – Okoho Ene
- Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation – Cassius Ukwugbe
- Centre for the Advancement of Children and Women’s Rights – Naomi Onuoha
- African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support – Amaka Biachi
- Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – Courage Nsirimovu
- Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers – Irikefe V. Dafe
- Get A ;ife Advocacy And Advancement Initiative – Happiness Ntuenibok O.
- Centre for Citizenship Capacity Advancement & Development Alternatives – Boney Akaeze
- National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spill in the Niger Delta – Edward O. Obi
- Coalition Against Gas Flaring (CAGAF)
- Alliance On Surviving COVID 19 And Beyond (ASCAB)
- Green Alliance Nigeria (GAN)
