In a report aimed at ending electoral impunity, the
National Human Rights Commission has indicted 118 persons on offences of
electoral violence and malpractice committed during the 2007/2011
general elections in Nigeria.
Amongst those indicted by the report are the former
governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, former governor of Edo
State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, a former Acting Governor of Kogi
State, Clarence Obafemi and a former Chairman of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu and Senator
Ayo Arise.
Others are the Independent National Electoral Commission
and its officials in Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Kastina, Kogi and Rivers
States, the Appeal Court, Election Petition Tribunals and political
parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Nigerian
People Party (ANPP).
According to the Executive Secretary of NHRC, professor Ben
Angwe, those indicted will be further investigated and charged to the
appropriate courts of the land.
According to the report, electoral malfeasance has become
the norm in Nigeria where cases of ballot box snatching, kidnapping and
even murder have been reported during various elections conducted in the
country.
Prof. Angwe further noted that it will no longer be
business as usual as anyone found wanting will be charged to the
appropriate court.
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