‘Implementation of Uwais Report, Sure Way to Credible Polls’

Emma Okwuahaba

Full implementation of the Justice Muhammad Uwais Panel Report of Electoral Reforms is the only way to guarantee free, fair and credible polls in 2011. Only the qualified personnel and head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), appointed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) with input from the people can guarantee a free, fair and credible election next year.

Since the role of security agencies cannot be over emphasised, Nigerians must campaign for police reforms before electoral reforms, adding “if the police are corrupt or compromised, we cannot guarantee a credible poll.

For elections to be free and fair, the Nigerian Police must show leadership and non-partisan posture. If this is achieved, we would have recorded a milestone towards a credible electoral process in the country.

Nigerians should be security conscious during and after elections in their voting domains. the electorate should report strange, unauthorised movement of persons, suspected thugs, and illegal movement of arms among others to the police, traditional rulers and other security agencies.

Economic empowerment was the key to genuine elections. Government at all levels should put in place strong macro and micro-economic framework for the empowerment of its citizens.

It is near impossible for Nigeria to achieve a corrupt free electoral process if our people do not have economic freedom. The tendency for people to collect token from politicians in Nigeria is high due to prevailing economic conditions.

We must create employment for our young people; we must pay pension, gratuity and salaries as at when due among others.
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1. “The people need to take back their country. People ask if there can be a free and fair election. My response is that if the people desire such an election, they can make it happen. We have examples of places where people have said: “We will not accept,” “Enough is enough,” and the will of the people prevailed.

2. “We saw it happen in Kano with the present Governor in 2003. Shekarau was just a Permanent Secretary, persecuted and demoted by the then Governor Kwankwaso to a schoolteacher. The people rallied around him and he became the ANPP’s gubernatorial candidate. And the PDP of course was determined to rig the election but the young people of Kano manned the whole process. From the moment the INEC personnel arrived with voting materials, these young men policed everywhere, leaving riggers no room for maneuvering. That was how Kwankwaso was defeated in Kano. We saw it happen in Bauchi; to some extent, we saw it happen in Lagos.

3. “So, the people, if they want change, can make it happen.”