2023: JFP Advocates Free, Fair, Peaceful Elections, Seeks Collaboration

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Journalists For Peace, (JFP) has called on the government, well meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to work round the clock to ensure free, fair and peaceful 2023 general elections in the country.

The group particularly charged the government to re-double its efforts in ensuring that the exercise is credible and acceptable both locally and Internationally; while calling for collaboration with the media towards achieving that.

In a statement/ 2023 New Year message signed its National Chairman. Mr Andrew Fadason on Saturday in Kaduna, the Forum further urged the authorities to do the needful to mitigate the upsurge and spate of insecurity bedeviling the country among others.

” It is a thing of joy to have an opportunity to thank God Almighty for His faithful love and enduring mercies during the year 2022. The year 2022 witnessed many good things in the life of Nigerians amongst which are the continued unity of the nation and the relative peace being enjoyed in most of communities despite daunting challenges. Also, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), is giving Nigerians renewed hope that the democratic process is gaining momentum. 

” One noticeable challenge Nigerians faced was the rampaging acts of kidnapping and banditry which continues to threaten Nigeria’s existence. This reached a crescendo when bandits overran an Abuja-Kaduna bound train and took scores of innocent Nigerians hostage. Also disturbing is the fact government seems incapable of addressing the scourge of poverty as it continues to ravage majority of Nigerian families with impunity.”

He said”  Elsewhere, the Nigerian media continued playing its vanguard role not only as the watchdog of society but also put pressure on government to be accountable, and continued to be in the frontline championing the cause of democracy even at grave risk. It is unfortunate that despite their patriotic commitment to the Nigerian Project they are still seen and treated with suspicion and scorn by the authorities.  

” JfP wishes to call on government, well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to partner with the press in the onerous task of engendering a peaceful and successful conduct of the 2023 elections. We also wish to call on government to redouble its effort by committing all necessary resources towards ensuring a free, fair and peaceful exercise.

” The 2023 exercise must be credible and acceptable to Nigerians and the world at large if we are to justify our status as the largest democracy in Africa and a true giant and leader in the continent.” the statement added.