Presidential/NASS polls: NGE condemns irregularities, violence, urges aggrieved to follow due process

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)  has condemned the crises that characterised the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The NGE’s position was contained in a communique jointly signed by its chairperson,  Funke Egbemode and Victoria Obama,  General Secretary.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS HELD ON FRIDAY MARCH 1, 2019, AT CITIHEIGHT HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE

The Standing Committee extensively discussed the 2019 general elections, with particular reference to the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, 2019, and observed as follows.

1. There is a compelling and urgent need to take steps to address the lapses observed during the elections to ensure a better exercise in future, particularly the coming Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.
2. The Guild condemns the violence that characterised the elections in many parts of the country, which led to loss of lives and burning of several electoral materials.
3. Government, security agencies, INEC and politicians must live above board and avoid every action that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in future elections.
4. The Guild implores aggrieved parties to follow due process in seeking redress for any perceived injustice arising from the polls.
5. To ensure better organised elections in future, the new administration should, as a matter of urgency, set up machinery to carry out electoral reforms. This will guarantee a more credible and acceptable process.