…Decries intimidation of Judiciary
A non-governmental organisation, Democracy Vanguard of Nigerians in Diaspora (DVND) has written to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, regarding the 2019 presidential election.
The group, according to the letter said that result of the 2019 presidential election was not a reflection of Nigerians will.
In a letter sent to the ambassador and signed by its president, Timothy A. Sule, a copy obtained by Blueprint, said events prior and during the elections clearly contradicted the promise made by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that the polls will be free and fair.
According to the group, the election was marred by violence and intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There was clear voter suppression in the southern part of Nigeria (opposition strongholds); some northern states especially Kano witnessed flagrant voter inflation to meet up with the minimum 25% constitutional requirement.
“Influential opposition leaders were randomly and recklessly arrested and incarcerated on trumped-up charges with the sole aim of keeping them out of circulation.
“The election proper was everything but free, transparent, credible and fair,” the group said. According to them, the incidences recorded had clear effect on the electoral process across the country.
“The aftermath of the exercise was predictable and expectedly the opposition was rigged out against the clear wishes and aspirations of the majority of Nigerians.
“We are drawing your kind attention to these and many more that time and space will not permit us to enumerate in this letter for you to take drastic steps with a view to arresting the trends through thorough investigation and punishing those found culpable in all of the atrocities,” the group stated.
It, however, concluded the letter demanding the following: “That you kindly use your good offices to help save Nigeria’s democracy from disintegration manipulation and eventual annihilation.
“That you carry out a comprehensive independent assessment and investigation of the entire electioneering process including the pre and post-election anti-democratic behavior of some state actors and politicians with a view to sanctioning those found guilty.
“That these culpable individuals and their families should be summarily banned from entering the United States of America.
“That the National Chairman of the governing APC political party, Mr. Adams Aliu Oshiomhole
should be meticulously investigated and banned with his families from entering into the United
States and their visa’s revoked, over his anti-democratic utterances, inciting statements against the opposition parties as well as corruption allegations.
“That all political prisoners and all those being detained against competent and lawful court
orders should immediately be released. This includes but not limited to the leader of the Shiites movement, El-Zakzaky and Mr. Sambo Dasuki etc.
“That the judiciary, the last hope of the ordinary Nigerian should henceforth be devoid of
executive intimidation, harassment and interference especially as the judges currently review election petition matters and other court’s matters.
“That Miss Leah Sharibu should immediately be rescued and reconciled with her dear family.
“That Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State Governor should be investigated over his
threats and his various divisive comments prior, during and after the 2019 general elections.
“That the dire security situations, especially kidnapping, raping’s and killing of innocent’s
citizens should be addressed with all seriousness.
“That any plans, proposal, intention for the Islamization of the country should be buried
because Nigeria is a secular state under God.”
