- The Better Society Foundation (TBSF), a non-governmental organization has added its voice to
the current political development in Nigeria by calling for credibility in the forthcoming
elections.
During a press briefing that took place in their office at Boyle street Lagos, the organization
through its Executive Director, Francis K. Senaya encouraged Nigerians to go out and cast their
votes in all honesty.
He stated categorically that while exercising their voting rights, Nigerians should vote for the
best among the candidates that have presented themselves for endorsement.
The foundation presents itself as apolitical but vehemently canvas for a just and egalitarian
society. It is on this premise that they call on the electorates to be alert throughout the polling
processes and afterwards never hesitate to recall the mandate of candidates that fail to deliver on
their campaign promises.
While reminding voters that votes are not subject to sale or purchase by any individual or
political group, therefore ‘no vote selling or buying’ in any form or manner, the foundation
demands from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) utmost transparency in
the entire election process; in the collation, transmission and announcement of results thereby
guaranteeing credible, free and fair elections.
They call on the political parties and their candidates to put the interest of the country they seek
to govern over and above individual and party interest by being magnanimous in defeat and
charitable in victory.
In an all inclusive call for national stability during and after the elections, they call on the
Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (BON) to provide a level playing field for all stakeholders
in the elections in terms of news coverage and reportage.
The security agencies to guarantee safety of lives and property and ensure that Nigerians who
possess the permanent voter’s card and are qualified to vote, do so without fear of intimidation
and harassment.
They reiterate that religious leaders, traditional rulers, and leaders of thought should help make
peace watchword during the process.
However, while admonishing the fourth estate of the realm to ensure fair and credible news
reporting they solicit that the rule of law should remains sacrosanct for all arms of government;
the executive, the legislature and indeed the judiciary.
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Therefore all sister civil society organizations, accredited election observers and monitors arecalled upon to continue to demonstrate the spirit of patriotism by ensuring that all forces that aredetermined to truncate the will of the people during the election and indeed impede the politicalgrowth and national development are stopped by all legitimate means.Finally, The Better Society Foundation (TBSF) in line with its goals is steadfast in its resolve tostrive for that egalitarian and just society which we all dream of, which shall be much better thanwhat we currently have.