LG Elections: NASS Must Prevent Imminent Dictatorship In Nigeria – Jarigbe

The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has observed that the legislative framework empowering State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in Nigeria is fundamentally flawed and needs to be fixed quickly to prevent imminent dictatorship.

In a statement issued in Calabar at the end of the November 2, 2024 local government elections in Cross River State where the APC won all the seats, Jarigbe called on the National Assembly to enact a law that truly strengthens the SIEC and upholds democracy in the country. local level.

He noted that there is a persistent trend across the country for state governments to control election results, leaving little room for opposition parties to meaningfully participate or gain legitimate votes in local government elections.

He said that if Nigeria’s democracy remains unchanged, it will be on the edge of an abyss, with the risk of sliding into governance dictated by vested interests rather than the will of the people.

He warned that it is very dangerous to leave local government elections under the absolute control of those who finance them.

He insisted that “for the realization of true autonomy, the conduct of elections must be free from excessive influence of state governments.

“As a country, we are faced with a clear choice between dictatorship or preservation of democracy.

“It is imperative that we pass the necessary laws to protect our democratic processes, or we risk further erosion of our values ​​and principles.”

Referring to the just concluded local council elections in Cross River and several other states, Jarigbe said, “What we have witnessed is nothing but an affront to the spirit of democracy.

“Our political landscape has become a farce, and the international community is watching our failures with dismay.”