The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), a non-profit, non-political civil society organisation, has decried the unwarranted attacks on INEC facilities in parts of the country, calling on all Nigerians never to consider Commission as their enemy but encourage the electoral umpire to succeed.
IAWPA international spokesman, Ambassador Emmanuel Nweke, in a press statement issued at a world press conference held at Blue Springs Hotels, Abuja on the 17th of January, 2023, “observed with dismay the unwarranted attacks on INEC facilities in some parts of the country and continuous plans of some youths to further attack INEC staff and properties.
“It is against these plans that we have taken the decision to launch the campaign; ‘INEC IS YOUR FRIEND’. The campaign is aimed at letting Nigerians know how important INEC is in achieving sustainable democracy in the country through credible elections.
“An attack on INEC will obviously weaken the institution and ultimately instil fears in the hearts of eligible voters thereby making the electioneering process an exercise of no good report. It is for this reason that we are calling on all Nigerians never to consider INEC as their enemy but rather to see INEC as their friend and more so, to encourage INEC and not to attack its staff and facilities.
“The lNEC of today means well for all Nigerians and we will by all means support the Commission as an association that is determined to promote the United Nations SDG 16: ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ in Nigeria. We will not fail in our mandate and we encourage others to report on any act that is inimical to peace to the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies for necessary action.
“Also, we have on authority reports of plans by some top politicians in Nigeria who never mean well for the 2023 general elections to drag the lNEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu to court or embarrass him with arrest, using the DSS or other means.”
The group advised whoever that is behind such plans to make a retreat and “occupy his or her mind with positive thinking that will make INEC stronger in order to succeed before and during the general elections,” saying the unnecessary distraction is unwarranted and must be condemned by well meaning Nigerians.
IAWPA then counseled INEC to do more on their voter education and public enlightenment programmes as well as embark on community – community electoral advocacy to sensitise eligible voters to participate fully in the forthcoming polls.
