NBM canvasses free, fair, credible polls

•Tasks Nigerians on active participation

The Neo-Black Movement of Africa (NBM of Africa) has called on the Federal Government to conduct credible and non-violent elections.The non-governmental organisation (NGO) urged Nigerians to fully participate in the exercise and demand hitch-free polls from government.

In a statement, the movement’s President, Chief Felix Kupa, said: “It is known and constitutionally established that Nigeria, as a nation, operates a democratic system of government. But most of her citizens still feel otherwise as a result of ugly happenings that tend to infringe on their rights.”He noted that elections were to promote stability and peaceful transfer of power, adding that it could, however, become divisive if the process lacks professionalism, transparency and integrity. Kupa appealed to the electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to extant guidelines and laws.

The NBM chief stressed: “In defence of our democracy, Nigerians should stand up in exercising their fundamental human rights by fully participating in the entire electoral process.“Any form of violence must not be encouraged before, during and after the exercise, as it would engender disunity and further impede the development of the society.”

He reminded the citizenry that his organisation was still sensitising the public on peaceful comportment and participation in the polls. Kupa beseeched all stakeholders, including voters, security agents, politicians and the umpire, to remain patriotic and selfless in the quest to deepening the nation’s nascent democracy.