INEC, give Kogi free, fair election
THE judgment upholding the
nullification of the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election in Kogi State remains a milestone in the history of judicial uprightness in Nigeria. The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) Osun State chapter, hereby commend the nation’s no. 1 citizen, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, for authorising, with immediate effect, compliance with the Court of Appeal’s verdict.
However, we view with dismay the pronouncement of INEC spokesman restricting other political parties from taking part in the fresh election. Since INEC has permitted political parties that contested the nullified election to nominate fresh candidates, it is our belief that other political parties who have interested candidates should equally be allowed to participate in the fresh election. There should be no jungle justice. The opportunity of fresh election that allows fresh nominations should provide equal opportunities to all registered political parties.
The April 14 election in Kogi State is voided and remains voided. We are therefore looking up to a fresh election in Kogi State come March 29. INEC must not be seen as biased as an attempt to exclude credible and interested candidates as announced by Mr. Phillips Umeadi is unconstitutional. Fresh election should provide fresh opportunities not only to ANPP but other registered political parties that have candidates for the March 29, governorship election in Kogi State.
On this ground, we implore all political parties in Kogi State who have credible governorship candidates to avail themselves the opportunity of the fresh election to nominate their candidates and commence campaign without hesitation. Fresh governorship election is an opportunity for all political parties. The stand of CNPP (Osun State Chapter) is strictly in line with Section 191 Sub-Section 2 of the country’s 1999 constitution.
“Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this ection during a period when the office of deputy governor of the state is also vacant, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the state shall hold the office of governor of the state for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new governor of the state who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.”
There is no ambiguity about it. INEC should not attempt to deviate from the provision of the constitution and of the verdict of the Court of Appeal. This is our observation. It is a constitutional issue, which is very clear. We implore INEC not to pose as biblical ‘blind guides.’ We appeal to President Musa Yar’Adua to ensure that politics of peace reigns supreme in the land. The President should call INEC’s helmsman to order and instruct the Inspector General of Police to give room for a peaceful, orderly, free and fair election in Kogi State come March 29 .
We wish our colleagues — CNPP Kogi State chapter and the entire people of Kogi State the best of luck. The people of Kogi State should make the best use of the opportunity at their disposal and choose the best candidate that will lift Kogi State to greater heights.
Abolubode-Atilola F.O., CNPP Osun State.
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