ADVERTISEMENT

Politicians used hate speeches in 2015 elections- Professors

A team of Professors from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria that studied the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria said politicians used hate speeches to get where they are.

According to the Political Science professors, ethnicity and religion are still the trademarks of politicians in Nigeria adding that hate speeches featured prominently during the 2015 general elections and were relayed by social media.

In a communiqué issued after an international conference held at the department of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty of Social Science, ABU, Zaria and obtained by Pulse on Tuesday, April 11 2016, the professors advised politicians to shun hate speech.

The communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman Communiqué Committee of the Conference, Prof. Hudu Abdullahi, and the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Prof. R. Ayo Dunmoye, also stated that the plethora of political parties in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria is a menace to a viable democratic culture.

Having acknowledged that  internal democracy is rarely respected by Nigerian political parties, the Professors said Ethnicity and Religion are still the trademarks of politicians.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The Conference noted that there was no equitable access to public media during campaigns by all political parties. The ruling party monopolized access to public television and radio," the communiqué said.

The group said political parties are private organizations and their electoral campaigns during elections should be funded with private funds.

"But is in the habit of the ruling parties to use public funds and facilities in their campaign activities. The 2015 elections and previous elections have shown massive use of public funds for the purpose of campaigns," the group said.

"Funding elections, as currently organized, is too expensive for a developing country like Nigeria. We should initiate a review of our electoral system in order to minimize the cost. Youth restiveness and thuggery during elections are caused by financial inducements from politicians and by unemployment. The conference observed that the continued marginalization of women in politics is not healthy for democracy."

INEC should be unbundled to allow other agencies to take part in the responsibilities given to them such as: voter’s education and payment of security agencies.”

ADVERTISEMENT

"INEC should conduct elections at Local Government Level and government should abolish State Electoral Commissions. The accreditation of voters should be done simultaneously with voting to avoid delays in casting and counting votes. Stiff penalties should be introduced for all electoral offences. Registration of voters should be an on-going exercise. Transmission of results from voting centers to collation centers should be done electronically," the professors recommend.

The communiqué also advised that a constitutional court should be set up to take care of constitutional issue adding that the immunity clause in the constitution should be amended to give the president and governors immunityonlyfrom civil litigations.

"There is the need to initiate a major reform of the judicial process to reduce unnecessary delays and technicalities. Gender inequality in the selection of candidate by Political Parties should be addressed. There is the need to revisit the Report of Uwais Committee on Electoral Reform particularly on credible electoral system such as proportional representation. The opinions expressed by independent observers on elections should always be considered diligently and acted upon."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT