President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja condemned the irregularities which characterised the rerun election to the Imo State House of Assembly in Oguta last Saturday,
Jonathan directed INEC and the nation’s security agencies to take immediate steps to bring all those who played any role in the violence and electoral irregularities that marred the election to justice.
Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Nigerian Senators’ Forum, the President said that the conduct of certain persons and groups involved in the election “ totally negates the spirit of one man, one vote’’.
He stressed his administration’s commitment to entrenching a culture of consistent free, fair and credible elections in the country.
“Those who made it impossible for the rerun election in Oguta to be conclusive must be brought to book.
“We must make it clear that impunity in the perpetration of violence and irregularities during elections will no longer be tolerated.
“Sanctions, promptly imposed on guilty persons, will deter others from engaging in such acts in future,” he said.
The president welcomed the pledge by the Senators’ Forum to support the administration’s efforts to thoroughly sanitise Nigeria’s electoral system,
He said that he was glad that his advocacy for one man, one vote was winning more adherents across the country.
The president said that the Federal Government under his leadership would work with other like-minded Nigerians and the forum to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“There must be even greater harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“We must work together to ensure that all Nigerians benefit more from our political activities,’’ he said.
The forum, established in 2003 with over 500 serving and former senators was led by Sen. Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe.
Earlier, Gwadabe had said that the forum was committed to supporting the efforts to strengthen institutions of democracy in Nigeria.
She praised the president’s commitment to maintaining cordial and harmonious relations with the National Assembly as well as his respect for the rule of law.
The delegation included Senators Abubakar Girei, Iyabo Anisulowo, Alex Kadiri, John Danboyi, Victor Oyofo, and Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
Others are Senators Haruna Abdulazeez, Sunday Fajimi, Sylvannus Ngele, Bala Adamu, Zeog H. Aziz and Omololu Meroyi.
