OCCEN expresses worry over political atmosphere in Nigeria

By Muhammad Saleem

Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN) and it’s Democracy Drivers Network (DDN) have  expressed concern over the current political atmosphere in the country as situation is becoming more chaotic.

SOLACEBASE reports that the organization said, there are lots of threats to the electoral process as the political atmosphere is becoming chaotic, with various political actors unnecessarily overheating the polity.

At a news conference on Tuesday in Kano, OCCEN Executive Director Abdulrazak Alkali, said, the organization also expressed worries over the challenges caused by recent federal Government monetary policy which further worsening the situation across the country.

”Unfortunately, the situation has been worsened by the decision of the Federal Government to change some of the currency denominations with the aim of promoting cashless economy, curbing insecurity by frustrating ransom collection by kidnappers and curbing vote buying during elections.”

Abdulrazak Alkali said, while the policy from the Federal Government appears to be made with the best of intentions, the implementation has run into problems resulting from sabotage and corruption by some commercial banks.

”This as a result, has created a severe shortage of cash which is currently significantly affecting the informal sector of the economy. Likewise, some politicians are of the believe that the policy is targeted at them as it will useless their financial power, thus are fighting back at the Federal Government”

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He said, there is also the fear that these challenges will discourage some citizens from participating in the coming general elections as frustrations built up.

”Unfortunately, some politicians are trying to take advantage of this difficult times and are trying to rile up citizens against the government by sponsoring violent protests, creating chaos, and spreading media propaganda all with aim of derailing the of the electoral process and discouraging genuine”

He advised all well-meaning Nigerians to use their voice towards promoting and strengthening democracy.

”Such is only possible if we all encourage citizens of this country to come out and exercise their electoral right. It is very clear that some politicians want to use our anger to win elections, using us as pawns in their game of power”

”Nigerians should remember that democracy arguably remains the best form of

government in terms of guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of the citizens. Our democracy allows us as citizens of this nation to determine policies through elected representatives as such it is only through participating in the electoral process that we can upheld our democracy and have chance to re-elect performing leaders and replace underperforming leaders and political parties using the power of our votes”.

The organization also called on Nigerians to shun away from promoting dangerous political messages.

”This process will only compound our problems and jeopardize our future and that of our children. It is critical to know that if we fail to actively participate in the election process, then we are leaving room for unpatriotic politicians to hold our future to ransom which will have severe negative consequences to our economy and security of this country. As it will discourage the international community and investors from having positive interest in this country and will only attract corrupt foreign elements and their policies”

” It is worth pointing out that the current administration has done well in strengthening the electoral process by assenting to the Electoral Reform Bill 2022 which further improve on the quality and transparency of our electoral system.

”Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved beyond doubt that he wants to leave a legacy of conducting a free and fair election”.

Abdulrazak Alkali also said, INEC chairman Professor Mahmood has shown capacity and commitment to deliver fair and transparent election, however, all these efforts can only translate to positive results if Nigerians actively participate in the electoral process and elect their candidates of choice.

”The current challenging situation in the country should not in any way discourage us from participating or exercising our electoral rights.

”We call on all Nigerians to demonstrate commitment and service to our country by coming out en masse to vote for candidates of their convictions, avoid money bags and make it difficult for corrupt politicians trying to truncate our democracy.”