Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has said that the Federal Government is committed to fair, transparent and accountable electoral system, as foundation of democracy in the country.
The SGF stated this while inaugurating the Stakeholders Meeting on Policy Oversight for Electoral Integrity in Nigeria, convened by his Office, in collaboration with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, today in Abuja.
According to him, the gathering elucidates the convergence of the nation’s collective interest with a shared vision to uphold the sanctity of its electoral processes. “It signifies a critical milestone in our collective pursuit of a free, fair, transparent, and equitable electoral system,” he said.
“We have gathered here as unified assembly of Stakeholders, representing Independent National Electoral Commission and other Election Management Bodies, Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, Media, International Development Partners, and distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen with a common goal to hone and fortify our democracy,” the SGF emphasised.
Senator Akume noted further that the primary objective of the forum would be to scrutinise the country’s existing electoral legislations, endeavour to identify best practices that will serve as guidelines for free, fair and transparent elections. He assured that more efforts would be put in place to make Nigeria elections more effective and efficient by adopting technological tools in the electoral processes.
In his words: “I want to emphasize that the responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of our electoral processes rests not only with the government but on all of us. Let us work together to uphold the principles of free, fair and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”
The SGF, who expressed gratitude of the Federal Government to the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr. Daniel Omofoman, for his unwavering dedication to the cause of political integrity in Nigeria, charged participants and all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring a brighter and more transparent electoral future for the country.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated Stakeholders Round-Table Meeting, the Executive Director of African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr. Daniel Omofoman assured that the meeting would accord them the opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionize the nation’s electoral processes thereby deepening democracy.
Present at the event is the Office of the Attorney General Federation/ Federal Ministry of Justice, some members of the diplomatic communities, Civil Society Organisations like Yiaga Africa, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Flag Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development and other stakeholders.
Segun Imohiosen
Director, Information