As the General Elections Approaches

Nigerians are hopeful that the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) will justify the mind-boggling money the Federal Government set aside for the successful conduct of the general elections. This will become a reality if the elections are free, fair and credible. However, the violent crimes occurring on a daily basis in different parts of Nigeria is a major threat to the smooth conduct of the elections. Of worry, is the safety of lives and property. The electoral umpire has already made public, selected observers for the elections and part of that allocation will be for the observers. The journey so far, has been a far cry from what Nigerians envisaged when the present administration mounted the saddle in 2015. Indeed, the chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners(REC) in the states where elections will take place should be above board and ought to maintain a non-partisan attitude before, during and after the elections, to ensure that the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerians does not wane. In the same vein, other categories of officials of the INEC ought to be mindful of their responsibilities by not engaging in acts that will undermine the smooth conduct of the general elections. Violent Crimes Community leaders, elders and residents, landlords and tenants associations in communities in Nigeria ought to be held responsible for lawlessness and criminality in their domains, since they live and know those who are involved. The law enforcement agencies must cease scratching the surface and act according to the dictates of their primary duties.