By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja
ABUJA — Election observers monitoring Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State have warned accredited observers against disseminating unverified information capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
The warning was issued on Friday during a joint operational briefing of international observers led by the Association of World Peace Advocates and local observers coordinated by the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI).
CSCHEI, which said it is recognised by the United Nations, is coordinating 40 INEC-accredited civil society organisations to observe the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
At the briefing, the observers were directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act while carrying out their duties.
They were also cautioned against reporting information that had not been properly verified, particularly information capable of creating tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The observers were further advised to maintain close communication with security agencies to ensure their safety and security throughout the election.
Speaking at the briefing, the Director-General of CSCHEI, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, said the observers were on a national assignment and should place the interest of Nigeria above other considerations in the interest of democratic development.
Yusuff urged the observers to remain professional, impartial and guided by the relevant electoral laws in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Association of World Peace Advocates, an INEC-accredited international observer group, said security arrangements for the election must be guided by fairness, justice and equity.
The briefing was attended by representatives of 32 INEC-accredited election observer groups ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Among the organisations represented were CSCHEI; Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation; Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative; Centre for Grassroot Development and Crime Prevention; Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education of Citizens; and Centre for Social Value and Early Childhood Development.
Others included New Dimension Network for Peace Initiative; Conscience Women of Africa Initiative; Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation; Women’s Right and Peace Protection Initiative for Africa; Women Fest for Better Life Initiative; and Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Communities Initiative.
Also represented were Amazon Women Substance Foundation; Sonia Initiative for Sustainable Development; The People’s Care and Advocacy Initiative; Immaculate Initiative for Peace; Northern Patriotic Front; Northern Socio-Cultural Initiative; Your Vote is Your Voice Africa Initiative; Patriotic Women Foundation; and Women and Youth Development.
Other groups included Africa Women for Unity Social and Cultural Organization; United Nigeria Peace Foundation; Young Generation Vocational Empowerment Initiative; Initiative for Peace, Humanity and Social Advancement for Women; Citizens Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative; Right Way for Women and Youth in Africa; and Network of Men with Disability.
The remaining organisations were Armstrong Leadership Capacity Development Initiative; Support for Civil Society Organizations Initiative; Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness; and Concern Initiative for Community and Social Development.
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