By Golok Nammwa, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has advocated a comprehensive and transparent electoral reforms that respect and uphold the electoral decisions of citizens, rather than deferring to election tribunals to determine election outcomes.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism that a transparent, unambiguous, and fraud-free leadership selection process would yield credible leaders through free and fair elections.
Governor Mutfwang made these remarks at the annual colloquium with the theme “Electoral Judicial Reforms: Imperatives for Nigeria’s Democracy, Governance, Leadership, and Selection Process, “organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Central Business District-Abuja.
In his keynote address, “The Imperatives for Electoral and Judicial Reforms,” Governor Mutfwang highlighted the numerous challenges facing the electoral process, including voter intimidation, violence, and irregularities that compromise election credibility.”
He emphasized the necessity of electoral and judicial reforms to strengthen democracy and citizen participation, noting that the judiciary has a vital role in maintaining electoral integrity.
Governor Mutfwang called for sweeping judicial reforms to foster a fair, efficient and independent judicial system that prioritizes citizens’ fundamental rights and respect for the choice the make during elections.
A statement signed by Bere Gyang, Governor Mutfwang’s director of press and public affairs reads that he pointed out the judiciary’s duty is to ensure legal compliance, especially in pre-election matters, and criticized the Plateau scenario for its blatant disregard for judicial precedents and principles.
Governor Mutfwang also added that “Electoral reforms are crucial for preserving electoral process integrity and legitimacy, building public trust in democratic institutions, and ensuring free and fair elections. The success of these reforms hinges on political will, stakeholder engagement, and robust implementation and enforcement to effect real improvements in the electoral system.”
Nigeria’s Human Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also delivered a keynote address on electoral reforms while former President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by former Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, and the Mayor of Entebbe-Uganda, Fabrice Rulina.
Dr. Alfred D. Skari, Chairman of the Haske Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to humanitarian activities, promoting peace and unity, and supporting families who have lost their breadwinners and means of livelihood.
The panel included former House of Representatives members, Honorable Beni Lar, Honorable Dachung Musa Bagos, Alh Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and Chairman IPAC among others.
