Nigeria: Group Accuses Governors Of Subverting Democracy

Nigeria: Group Accuses Governors Of Subverting Democracy

With the April polls around the corner in Nigeria, a Niger Delta group has accused state governors, particularly those of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of subverting democracy in the country. The group is accusing the governors of what they described as ''high level of political intolerance''. The group is therefore, pushing that governors be held responsible if the electoral process collapses. In an on-line statement on Monday to AkanimoReports, the group, Niger Delta Universal Periodic Review Coalition, said they are deeply concerned about the high level of intolerance being exhibited by state governors and their supporters in most parts of the country ahead of the coming April elections. Co-ordinator of the group, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said they are particularly piqued that governors are allegedly denying citizens their right to freedom of peaceful assembly. Continuing, the group claimed that the governors concerned are violating some profound priciples of the United Nations. According to them, ''Nigeria on September 30, 2010, at the 15th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, joined other member nations to vote overwhelmingly for the establishment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association .The mandate of the rapporteur is to amongst others help hold governments accountable for their restrictions on the activities of non state actors.

''This singular action was a testament to the country’s determination to ensure that all her citizens enjoy these basic fundamental rights equally irrespective of political affiliations, ethnicity or sex''. The coalition is claiming that recent events in the country in which opposition parties and their candidates are finding it difficult to assemble peacefully at desired locations to launch their campaigns and rallies are not only condemnable but has called to question Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of these rights. ''From Rivers State to Kaduna State, from Ondo State to Akwa Ibom State, from Benue State to Kwara State, the story is the same'', the group said, claiming that some opposition parties are not allowed access to campaign venues. Adding, they said, ''in some other states; they are made to launch their campaigns outside the capital city of their states. This is not only a serious danger on our bumpy road to democracy but a big threat capable of truncating the electoral process and imperiling the country’s survival as a nation''. While appreciating the steps being taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free and fair election, the coalition said, ''we are calling on state governments, the ruling political parties in the states of the federation and other stakeholders to create a level playing field for all parties especially in respecting their right to freedom of peaceful assembly in a location of their choice''.

ENDS

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