The National Association of Seadogs Pyrates Confraternity, Rainbow Deck, Effurun, in Uvwie in Delta State, has condemned voter manipulation and called for stronger electoral laws, responsible governance and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
The group made the call at its 15th Annual Law Day, held on Thursday at NAS Anchor Point, Effurun, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The event, attended by more than 200 guests, had as its theme, “The Ballot and the Bread: What Does Democracy Mean to the Everyday Nigerian?”
Participants at the event said democracy should not be limited to periodic elections, but must also guarantee accountability, responsible governance and tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The keynote address, titled “Beyond the Ballot Box: Governance, Accountability and the Nigerian Social Contract,” was delivered by Dr Oyovwikerhi Imoni-Ogbe, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Delta, Agbor.
Professor Beauty O. Alloh, Dean, Faculty of Law, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, delivered the Law Day lecture, titled “The Power of the Vote: Poverty, Voter Manipulation and the Integrity of Nigeria’s Electoral Process.”
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Who Controls the Vote? Political Power, Economic Vulnerability and the Future of Electoral Democracy in Nigeria.”
At the end of the deliberations, participants called for a review of relevant electoral laws to strengthen citizens’ electoral rights, protect the integrity of elections and ensure that votes were properly counted and reflected in electoral outcomes.
They also urged Nigerians to reject corruption, particularly practices capable of undermining elections, public institutions and democratic governance.
The participants said political leaders should tackle poverty and economic vulnerability instead of exploiting the hardship of citizens through inducements and token benefits during elections.
They further called for sustained civic and voter education to equip Nigerians with knowledge of their electoral rights and responsibilities and encourage informed participation in the democratic process.
The gathering also urged Nigerians to stop selling their votes and exercise their franchise freely and independently based on their assessment of candidates and the issues at stake.
The resolutions came against the backdrop of concerns over the influence of poverty, economic hardship and political inducements on electoral participation and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Participants stressed that when citizens’ economic vulnerability is exploited during elections, the democratic value of the ballot can be weakened, making accountability after elections more difficult to achieve.
The Law Day, which began in 2010, has evolved into an annual platform for discussions on law, justice, governance, democracy and other issues of public importance.
The event was chaired by the First Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Oghenero Okoro, while the Chairman of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Right Honourable Daniel Omayone Mayuku, was the Special Guest of Honour.
The gathering reaffirmed the need for an electoral system in which citizens can freely choose their leaders and where electoral participation ultimately translates into accountable governance and meaningful improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
