Sen. Jarigbe Takes A Swipe At C'River LG Elections, Says Poll Farcical

Judex OKORO

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North senatorial district, has taken a swipe at the Saturday, November 2, 2024 local government elections in the state, describing the outcome as farcical. 

In a statement made available to newsmen and entitled "the farcical approach to the conduct of local government elections in Cross River state is not an isolated case: The law that enable state Independent Electoral Commissions across the country is bad law and must be charged," expressed  disappoint at the events that transpired on November 2, 2024, leading to hijack of the processes by APC -led government, our ght manipulation to ensure a predetermined outcome in favour of APC candidates. 

Jarigbe further described it as unfortunate episode which is a symptom of a broader disease plaguing our democratic institutions nationwide, revealing a troubling pattern that must be confronted if we are to protect the integrity of our democracy.

According to him, what occurred in Cross River State is not an isolated incident Nigerians have witnessed consistent trend where state governments control electoral outcomes, leaving little room for other parties to participate meaningfully or to garner lawful votes in ocal government elections. 

He maintains l that it is high time the National Assembly addressed the stronghold Governors have on local government administration by enacting a law that genuinely supports democracy at the local level, adding that If left unchanged our democracy stands on the edge of a precipice.

The statement reads in part:
"Governors in various States appoint loyalists to their respective State Independent Electoral Commissions, only to hand them a list of their party’s candidates, who are then simply announced as winners. This is an affront to democracy, as it suppresses competition, disenfranchises the electorate, and erodes the very essence of a free and fair electoral process.

"The legal framework empowering State Independent Electoral Commissions is fundamentally flawed. The National Assembly must address this by enacting a law that genuinely supports democracy at the local level. If left unchanged, our democracy stands on the edge of a precipice, with the risk of a slide into governance dictated by personal interests rather than by the will of the people.

"In light of the recent Supreme Court judgment on Local Government financial autonomy, I fully align myself with its principles. However, financial autonomy alone is insufficient if the conduct of Local Government elections remains under the absolute control of those who fund the process. As the saying goes, he who pays the piper calls the tune. For true autonomy to be realised, election conduct must be free from the undue influence of State Governments.

"I urge all our supporters not to lose heart. We remain steadfast in our commitment to defending democracy, to making our voices heard, and to ensuring that the rights of every Cross Riverian, every Nigerian, are respected. As a country, we face a clear choice between descending into dictatorship or preserving our democracy. It is imperative that we pass the necessary laws to shield our democratic processes, or we risk further erosion of our values and principles.

"The evidence of manipulation is widespread. Consider recent LGA elections across Anambra, Plateau, Bauchi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and now Cross River State. What we have witnessed is nothing short of an affront to the spirit of democracy. Our political landscape has become farcical, and the international community is watching our failures with disappointment. Nigeria’s reputation suffers every time we prioritize power over principles.

"I must also express my dismay at the unprecedented deployment of military force to escort election materials and intimidate the  electorate in a local government election. This show of force was unnecessary and intimidating, designed to project power rather than to protect the democratic process. It begs the question: Is this a prelude to what awaits us in 2027? It was manifestly infantile. I strongly advise all politicians to remember that the power of the electorate is paramount, and that people’s will, not military force, should define our democracy.

"To my people in Cross River North, I encourage you to continue with your lives, knowing that these elections did not reflect your choice or your voices. We may have lost a battle, but we remain hopeful for a future where genuine democracy will prevail in Nigeria. We must pray and work for a democracy that truly serves its people, not one that succumbs to political manipulation and force.

"I assure you that the PDP in Cross River is only growing stronger by the day. We will continue to serve you diligently, to provide infrastructure and empowerment across party lines, and to build a better future for all. 

"Together, we will keep striving for a Nigeria where democracy is more than just a word, where every vote counts, and where true leadership answers to the people, he stated.