Gyang Bere, Jos
The Coalition of Domestic Observers and Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Plateau State, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute its staff who were involved in electoral fraud during the 2019 general elections.
Coordinator of the group, Mr. Godwin Okoko, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Jos, Plateau State.
“We recommend that INEC should ensure prosecution of all its staff involved in electoral malpractice. It should immediately improve on the general conduct of the elections specifically; the card readers should be further enhanced.
“INEC and political parties should engage in sensitisation of the electorate and party members/supporters and enhance capacity training for security agencies that will be involved in future conduct of electoral exercise.”
Okoko described the elections largely as free, fair and peaceful in the state and urged the Plateau State governor and Simon Lalong to commence the process of healing wounds, closing gaps and divisions in the state.
“We adjudged Plateau State to be the the most peaceful and orderly state in Nigeria during the 2019 general elections. We conclude that the elections were fair, peaceful and orderly
“As we look forward to more peaceful, transparent and credible future elections; we appeal to Plateau State government to ensure the strengthening of peace, security structures, provision of good governance, political inclusion and increase youth empowerment programme, employment opportunities and youth/women development.”
He appealed to those who are not satisfied with the outcome of the election results to follow peaceful, legal and constitutional means of seeking redress.