From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has assured that the Federal Government is committed to fair, transparent and accountable electoral system, as foundation of democracy in the country.
He gave the assurance while inaugurating the Stakeholders Meeting on Policy Oversight for Electoral Integrity in Nigeria, convened by his Office, in collaboration with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Monday in Abuja.
He said the meeting clarifies how the country’s interests as a whole and its common goal of protecting the integrity of its democratic process align, saying: “It signifies a critical milestone in our collective pursuit of a free, fair, transparent, and equitable electoral system.
“We have gathered here as unified assembly of Stakeholders, representing Independent National Electoral Commission and other Election Management Bodies, Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, Media, International Development Partners, and distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen with a common goal to hone and fortify our democracy,” he stressed.
Akume noted that the forum’s main goal would be to examine the nation’s current electoral laws and look for best practises that might be used as models for free, fair, and transparent elections. He promised that greater efforts will be made to use technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian voting procedures.
He said: “I want to emphasise that the responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of our electoral processes rests not only with the government but on all of us. Let us work together to uphold the principles of free, fair and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”
The SGF urged attendees and all Nigerians to work together to ensure a better and more transparent electoral future for the nation. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Federal Government to Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Daniel Omofoman, for his unwavering dedication to the cause of political integrity in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated Stakeholders Round-Table Meeting, Omofoman assured that the meeting would accord them the opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionize the nation’s electoral processes thereby deepening democracy.
Present at the event representative of the Office of the Attorney General Federation/Federal Ministry of Justice, some members of the diplomatic communities, Civil Society Organisations like Yiaga Africa, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Flag Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development and other stakeholders.