Journalists for Open Government & Inclusion (JOGI) has admonished Nigerians not to allow the current economic hardship to discourage them from exercising their franchise.
In the pre-election statement by JOGI’s Executive Director , Comrade Yaqoub POPOOLA, ,the group charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to disappoint Nigerians by living up to its promise of conducting free fair, credible and acceptable elections.
JOGI also urged the media and security agents to support the ongoing efforts to deepen the nation’s democracy and good governance by being professional in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections. ” Let us dish out accurate, timely and complete information .There should be no room for fake news “.
” It is not enough for INEC to say it is transparent bit it must bee seen to be transparent in all its dealings with the participating political parties.
” The political gladiators too must remember that the Saturday Presidential poll is very crucial and it is a critical moment in the nation’s history. They must shun acts capable of precipitating violence or incite civil unrest. Nigerians have gone through enough hardships and we would condone any behaviour that could put the nation and its democracy in jeopardy.
“We urged the prospective voters to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly too throughout the period of the poll .
“We equally enjoined the security agents to protect the rights of women ,Aged and People with Disability during the exercise.
“While we empathized with Nigerians over the current economic hardship caused by the twin challenges of fuel and currency Scarcity , we want to also urged them not to be discouraged but go out on Saturday to cast their ballots.
” We must not be tired until Nigeria achieve good governance .Dont allow the anti democratic elements / forces to defeat our democracy.
“We must also remember that Nigeria cannot attain good governance without first having credible poll .Thus ,we need to mobilize ourselves to perform the civic responsibility.” it stated.