Following the recent developments in Nigerian politics that has led to the postponement of the general election, The Better Society Foundation (TBSF), a non-governmental organization has added its voice to the latest event by calling for credibility in the elections and on Nigerians to remain calm and resolute in their decision to perform their civic responsibility inspite of current happening.
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.
Therefore all sister civil society organizations, accredited election observers and monitors are
called upon to continue to demonstrate the spirit of patriotism by ensuring that all forces that are
determined to truncate the will of the people during the election and indeed impede the political growth 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 to
strive for that egalitarian and just society which we all dream of, which shall be much better than
what we currently have.