IPAC Calls For Electoral Offences Commission

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has reiterated its advocacy for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission that will try electoral offenders and their sponsors.

It said the need for electoral integrity cannot be overemphasised in the quest for a strong, virile, united, progressive, equitable and decent democratic nation.

This is even as group joins Christians across the country to celebrate this year’s Easter which signifies the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ after His crucifixion for the sins of mankind.

In a statement by IPAC’s national chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, he said Easter is the essence of Christianity and hope of the faithful.

The statement said, “IPAC enjoins Nigerians to use this joyous occasion of the victory of life over death which Easter symbolises to rededicate their lives to God and imbibe Christ’s virtues of love, compassion, tolerance and sacrifice. We should also use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and progress of our dear nation.

“Citizens desire and deserve good governance and improvement in their well-being in tandem with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Sadly, Nigerians are no longer secure in their own country.

“IPAC urges the federal government to tackle insecurity head-on. The rampant killing of fellow compatriots by non-state actors must stop forthwith. Enough of bloodshed in the land.

“Council commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the recent attacks in Plateau and Benue states in particular and other parts of the country. Citizens expect dividends of democracy, not carnage. Security agencies should sit up and effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping for ransom. It takes political will to restore sanity in the polity. This should be done immediately to uphold the sanctity of human life. There cannot be development without public safety and order.

“IPAC urges the National Assembly to expedite action on the reservation of special seats for women in parliament bill. This will boost women participation in politics and achieve the desired inclusivity in governance.

“Council also advocates for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission that will try electoral offenders and their sponsors. The need for electoral integrity cannot be overemphasized in the quest for a strong, virile, united, progressive, equitable and decent democratic nation.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC is committed and determined to consolidate and deepen the country’s democracy, ensure political stability, good governance and overall well-being of Nigerians.”