Jonathan reiterates commitment to credible electoral process
President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria has said that the year 2011 marks the beginning of true democracy in the country as his administration has resolved to engender a credible electoral process where every vote is counted and leaders are not imposed on the people.
Speaking in Abuja when he received a group of 21 leaders of Civil Society Organisations on courtesy call to State House, President Jonathan called for concerted efforts from the civil society groups and all Nigerians against violence and rigging of any kind at the forthcoming polls.
Call for justice and fairness
President Jonathan also urged the civil society leaders to stand up for justice and fairness at all times and not compromise their integrity for anything.
The President noted that government’s confidence in the integrity of members of civil society groups has been demonstrated in the appointment of two civil society advocates, Prof. Attahiru Jega as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr. Sam Amadi as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to oversee critical aspects of national life.
President Jonathan said that the government would continually engage civil society groups constructively to fast-track national growth and development through the Special Adviser to the President on Relations with Civil Society, Chineme Ume-Ezeoke, who was also present at the meeting.
Commendations
The leader of the delegation and Executive Director of the Centre for Creativity and Leadership Development, Abdullahi Ali Dogo, who read an address endorsed by the various civil society groups, commended President Jonathan for demonstrating political will towards the conduct of free and fair polls in the country.
The civil society groups hailed President Jonathan for his approval and implementation of free skin treatment of Albinos in Nigeria, describing the gesture as the first of its kind worldwide.
They also applauded the present administration’s efforts in according women a sense of belonging through key appointments towards achieving the 35 percent affirmative action.
They assured President Jonathan that the forthcoming polls would be observed, monitored and reported in line with international best practices, while urging government to ensure that electoral offenders are severely punished irrespective of societal status.
PR/Aneke/Williams/Ekata
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