The Executive Director, Sustain Aqua Green planet and Food Security Foundation (SAP-FSF), Chief Ameh Mathew Onoja has congratulated Nigerians while urging for resilience to sustain the spirit of true and participative democracy, where hunger and poverty would not continue to be weaponized for coercion and control of the citizens.
The Executive Director, who was a member of Staff of the Election management Body, defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), now Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu recounted activities and events that led to the annulled Presidential election of June 12, 1993.
Speaking with nostalgia, Chief Ameh, recalled the persistence agitation for return to Democracy from Military rule, by progressive minded Nigerians and the subsequent establishment of institutions like National Electoral Commission (NEC), Constitutional Assembly et al.
The organisation and conduct of Zero party Elections, formation of the erstwhile two political parties by General Babangida Military Regime (SDP and NRC), which ultimately culminated to the June 12 elections.
He stated that one noticeable trait in that era was the commitment, fairness and consciousness of the actors ranging from the political gladiators, the Electorates, the regulatory body(NEC), Media, Civil Society groups etc.
The June 12 Presidential election which was widely adjudged “the most free, fair and credible election” in Nigeria history attained that level of credibility because the equal/level playing ground ensured by all stakeholders as at the time.
However, the annulment and attendant events including political shenanigans took us back to level zero, where our current democratic practice is questionable.
He however provided a leeway for the revival and sustenance of our democratic ethos and culture by advocating and supporting through the following recommendations.
(1) Complete Electoral Reforms
(A) Unbundling INEC
(B) Establishment of Political Parties Registration and Monitoring Agency
(C) Establishment of Electoral Offences bureau and Tribunal
(D)Creation of Voter Registration and Education Commission, among others.
E. Place INEC Staff on good salary and improved welfare package that would insulate them from financial enticement/inducement by politicians.
This includes removing them from the contributory pension scheme to a special severance pay commensurate with the nature of their job.
Concluding, He called on the current Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently tackle the issue of food insecurity and poverty in country,
while addressing the expected Electoral Reforms as there is a direct link to Electoral Fraud and Voter apathy.
He said a situation where less than 25% of the populace participate in Democratic activities speaks volumes and calls urgent actions.
