The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has taken proactive measures to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the impending Kogi State governorship election by deploying a total of 42 observers. These vigilant individuals will be strategically positioned to monitor all aspects of the electoral process and report any irregularities they witness.
The Kogi State Coordinator of TMG, Mrs. Racheal Remilekun Akande, expressed this commitment during a recent training session aimed at equipping local government observers with the necessary skills to actively engage citizens in the electoral process. Furthermore, this training serves to fortify collaboration between TMG, government bodies, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent, free, and fair election in the state.
Akande emphasized that careful adherence to neutrality is essential for the observers, who will play a crucial role in reporting election-related issues. This comprehensive training equips them with a deep understanding of the reporting modalities and ensures they remain impartial in the field.
In the midst of the training, Success Adejoh, a facilitator, explained that local government observers have a pivotal responsibility to monitor the election, identify irregularities, and create an atmosphere conducive to citizen participation. He underscored TMG’s primary objective of empowering these observers and bolstering democracy in the region, thereby restoring the confidence of citizens in the electoral system.
Zonal Coordinator of TMG, Reuben Joshua, expressed optimism about the voter turnout and urged electorates to exercise their democratic right by participating actively in the electoral process. Joshua voiced his concern over the prevalence of disinformation and misinformation that has permeated Kogi State, leading to unwarranted fears and apprehension among the electorate. However, he assured the public that TMG has taken proactive steps to counter these false narratives by conducting thorough fact-checking exercises to expose the truth.
The Chief Executive Officer of Teens Educational Development and Information Initiative, Titus Adekunle Alonge, shared his disheartening experience of being held hostage during a previous election. Alonge criticized the security agencies for their failure to uphold the peace and security promised to the public. He highlighted instances where voters were subjected to tear gas and prevented from casting their ballots. Alonge’s personal encounter with electoral injustices further emphasized the need for a transparent and fair election in Kogi State.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alonge urged both INEC and the security agencies to purge any personnel that may compromise the integrity of the process. He emphasized the critical importance of a transparent electoral system, as failure to achieve this would likely trigger unrest and instability in the state.
With TMG’s unwavering commitment and the dedication of its trained observers, the stage is set for a transparent, free, and fair governorship election in Kogi State. The proactive measures implemented by TMG and its collaboration with government bodies and security agencies instill confidence in the electoral process and foster an environment conducive to citizen participation.
