From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of The Nigerian Democracy Working Group, has tasked the Chairman, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof Sani Lawan Malumfashi to ensure that the conduct of the Local Government Elections in the state is not only credible, but that it should serve as a model for other states.
According to the CSOs, they have observed the efforts of Malumfashi which is aimed at inclusivity, transparency and accountability and urged him to ensure that a credible, fair and acceptable election is conducted in Kano.
The CSOs in a statement signed the Convener, Dr Vincent Okpara Innocent and Co – Convener, Dr Idris Aliyu Mohammed said they are confidence on the ability of Prof Malumfashi to conduct the election, but insisted that it should serve as model for emulation by other States, especially looking at his track records.
“The Nigerian Democracy Working Group, is a network of civil society organizations, academics, democracy activists, patriotic individuals and entrepreneurs across the six geo political zones of the country. We work to promote democratic practices, cultures and ethics, for the attainment of good governance and sustainable development.
“We have observed keenly, the commitment of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, under the stewardship of Prof. Sani Lawan Malumshashi, to conduct an inclusive and transparent local government councils elections in Kano State
“The resolve of the Chairman and his management to heed to the order of the court sitting in Abuja, which directed the Commission to reduce the prices of the elections nominations forms, was not only commendable but also a practical justification on the utmost respect the Commission has for rule of law.
“The open advocacy of the Commission through its chairman to engage all the opposition parties to partake in the elections, and laying down the best practices of ensuring inclusion and a friendly democratic atmosphere, should be greatly appreciated,” the CSOs said, adding that as a civil Society that advocates the best practices of democracy, they have so far been convinced of the intentional and deliberate resolve of the Commission to ensure that all parties and relevant stakeholders are carried along in the process of conducting the elections.
“It is our hope that, the Chairman of KANSIEC, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi shall continue to uphold the practices of inclusivity, transparency and accountability, to ensure that, a credible, fair and acceptable elections is conducted in Kano, which could serve as model for emulation by other States, especially looking at the fact that, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi, is not a first timer in the management and conduct of elections of this kind.
“While we wish Prof Sani Lawan Malumfashi, the Chairman of KANSIEC and his team, success in the conduct of this difficult task, rest assured of our resolve to support the Commission to achieve the intended goal,” the CSOs added.
