FLASHPOINTS: THE 2015 ELECTIONS IN

Issue Eleven: 26 Mar 2015 Days to Presidential Poll: 2 Days to Governor and House of Representatives Poll: 16

THE RIVERS DEBATE 2015

In an unprecedented event, With support from both political Agriculture was agreed as an candidates for parties and citizens, the Rivers immediate area for investment. governor came together in Debate is a significant milestone Wike outlined plans to support on Monday for a in the ongoing process of investment in commercial-scale lively debate on the topics of change. agriculture and the entire value economy, security and open chain of local production, such governance in the State. The event was organised as the development of fruit by Stakeholder Democracy juice companies. Conversely, Aspirants Nyesom Wike Network (SDN), the Rivers Peterside proposed to start by (Peoples Democratic Party, Entrepreneurs and Investors extending the Songhai model – PDP), Dakuku Peterside (All Forum (REIF), and NigeriaInfo – a sustainable farming and agro- Progressives Congress, APC) and broadcast live on Channels processing model where farmers and Tonye Princewill (Labour TV and NigeriaInfo 92.3 FM. can come to learn techniques, Party, LP) put aside prevailing which was established by party and personal conflicts What follows is a brief overview of incumbent Governor Amaechi. to stand before citizens to the discussion and pledges made discuss problems and propose – but full highlights will follow so For Princewill, security and their ideas to take Rivers State stay tuned to our website www. multiple taxation are the forward. stakeholderdemocracy.org. pressing issues affecting doing business in the State, so his plan It was a special evening as this would be to stop checkpoints kind of event is almost unseen in The Economy on roads where police illegally Nigeria, and has never happened extort money from travellers. in the highly-contested Rivers After opening statements, the Wike echoed this and claimed State. Politicians tend to shy debate facilitators – Kofi Bartels he had the political will to away from public speaking on of NigeriaInfo and Florence implement laws. policy points, and instead rely Kayemba of SDN – went straight on party and ethnic loyalties and into the opening topic. On supporting small- and defamation of the opposition for medium-sized enterprises votes. All candidates saw the Peterside proposes access immediate need to develop a to finance, power farms and But Nigerians are starting to financial strategy that would incubation centres. For Wike, reject this type of politicking diversify the State economy access to finance was again and are increasingly demanding away from oil dependency in the to be a priority alongside that their representatives have face of the collapsed global oil investment in industrial parks to the solutions to help society. price. cluster industry. Peterside claimed that the unemployment rate in Rivers State is lower than at the national level, and attributed this to the efforts of the incumbent APC governor. This, he argues, could be improved further by revamping the education system to include vocational skills training. For Tonye the proposal was clear: address youth unemployment.

Security Wike, a lawyer by training, made it clear that it is the role of the state judiciary to be free from undue influence from the Federal government and implement laws that checkmate criminality. The main union of national judiciary staff only recently suspended a strike that has been ongoing for over one year – and therefore has ruled out trial and prosecution. The first ever full participatory shows that greater involvement Peterside outlined the APC’s Zero budgeting process was of citizens and civil society Tolerance policy on crime with developed in Brazil in 1989, and organisations build institutions plans to augment intelligence between 1990 and 2008 over that are better informed, gathering with ‘Operation Know 120 of the country’s largest more responsive and more Your Neighbour’ and through 250 cities have adopted the transparent. increased surveillance. technique. Some cities, such as Belo Horizonte and Porto A Step Forwards Open Governance Alegre, have spent hundreds of millions of U.S dollars over the All candidates challenged the Wike highlighted the failure of past decades on projects that perceptions held of them, not Rivers State government to pass citizens selected. just through their attendance, a Freedom of Information (FOI) but by the way they engaged bill and proposed to make sure Results in Brazil are promising, with the issue-based questions that every citizen who requests showing that more investment and proposed steps for information on a relevant subject was made in education, progress. will get it. Opening government healthcare in poorer areas, to involve people is the priority and sanitation, while infant Despite the ground rules, each for Peterside too – both in the mortality dropped by more candidate made the ugly slip policy-making and budget than 20 percent. Participatory back into the habit of subverting formulation processes. Budgeting’s influencethe opponent through personal strengthens over time, indicating attacks – much to the joy of their Princewill took the idea of that its benefits do not merely respective party faithfuls in the inclusive budgeting a step result from governments making audience. But in a place where further, proposing to implement easy policy changes. Instead, it this has been the political culture ‘the Brazil model’. since implementing democracy, this is to be expected. The audience tuning in on TV and radio, and following online updates, saw through this for what it is – a defence mechanism to fall back on when the ideas are not there. That is why initiatives like this are so important. Just like the proposal for participation in budget making, including the public in the democratic process and discussion of policies enhances transparency, accountability, and the relevance of the decision. It also helps highlight who is capable to make sense of complex problems and conflicting demands, which if

elected they will be faced with on a daily basis. Ultimately it strengthens downward-facing accountability by building a consensus that candidates must earn their votes through concrete pledges for change that they can then be measured against. It was a pleasure to work with the partners - the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), ActionAid, PIND and Enough is Enough Nigeria - on the project, and we sincerely hope this initiative can continue to develop after the election by holding the successful candidate to account against what they proposed.

POLICE CHIEF WAS WRONG, IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO STAY BEHIND TO PROTECT YOUR VOTES

This week the Inspector- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) box observance, we advise that General of Police Suleiman and All Progressives Congress you exercise your civic right and: Abba urged voters to go home (APC), rejected the comment Go, Vote, Stay, Observe, Snap, after casting ballots. “It is and confirmed that voters are Stay for Vote Count and Results, better to cast vote, go and cool indeed permitted to remain at down, than to cast vote and the booths for counting. Report to SDN remain in the polling station,” he said. REC Wrong, Cameras Allowed All reports to SDN are treated confidentially and with “If you remain, it is likely you Last month’s high profile source anonymity. Details of how to will commit an offence. You of misinformation was the INEC report from where you are to may utter a word that the Federal Commissioner for SDN are listed on the final page. other person may perceive as Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa-Ibom intimidation.” states Mrs Thelma Iremiren. The electoral law does not state She warned prospective voters anywhere that voters cannot, in Rivers State not to bring or should not, wait to watch cameras, recording devices, and ensure that their votes are or to post results from Polling counted fairly. Units, collation centres on social media platforms. Following the IG’s comments, the Independent National Instead of following the advice of Electoral Commission (INEC), these two on the matter of ballot INTERNATIONALIN FOCUS: ELECTIONS PROSECUTORS AND MEDIA SPOTLIGHT NIGERIA’SINTEGRITY ELECTION IN THE 2015 VIOLENCE ELECTIONS

As the Israeli elections conclude encouraging or contributing to elections—and that they will not peacefully, international the commission of crimes that incite, support or engage in any political observers and fall within ICC’s jurisdiction - is kind of violence—before, during, organisations are turning their liable to prosecution; either by or after the votes are counted,” attention towards the Nigerian Nigerian Courts or by the ICC.” Obama said. presidential elections and taking note of inflammatory “The conduct and outcome of “I call on all Nigerians to statements. elections in Nigeria, free from peacefully express your views violence, will not only prevent and to reject the voices of those The ICC further instability in the country, who call for violence. And when but will also send a clear message elections are free and fair, it is that electoral competition does the responsibility of all citizens to The International Criminal Court not have to result in violence and help keep the peace, no matter (ICC) has reiterated its call crimes that shock the conscience who wins.” for politicians to refrain from of humanity.” electoral offences, noting that UN it had the capacity to prosecute US President culpable individuals “whenever The United Nations has also necessary”. President Obama released a vowed that it would hold message to the Nigerian people perpetrators of post-election “The Office of the Prosecutor of to highlight the opportunity violence accountable. Under- the ICC conducts independent that the upcoming elections Secretary-General for Political and impartial investigations present for all Nigerians to stand Affairs, Jeffery Feltman, and and prosecution of the crimes together in rejecting violence the Secretary-General’s High- of genocides, crimes against and extremism and instead Level Representative to Nigeria, humanity and war crimes,” show their support for a more Mohammed Ibn Chambas, gave peaceful, secure, and prosperous the warning last week. The Office of the Prosecutor, future. which conducts independent “The International community is investigations and prosecution of “I call on all leaders and closely watching the elections the crimes of genocides, crimes candidates to make it clear to in Nigeria and any persons against humanity, and war their supporters that violence responsible for violence will be crimes, has begun “conducting has no place in democratic held accountable,” said Feltman. preliminary examinations relating to the situations in Feltman reiterated that the UN Afghanistan, Columbia, Georgia, has “urged the political actors, Guinea, Honduras, Iraq, Nigeria, particularly the candidates, to Ukraine and Palestine”, said resolve any electoral disputes Fatou Bensouda, an ICC through existing legal and Prosecutor. constitutional means.” Turning to Nigeria, in his statement Mr. Bensouda said, US VEEP “Any person who incites or United States Vice-President Joe engages in acts of violence in Biden revealed that he spoke the context of the upcoming with GEJ and GMB this week elections or otherwise - ahead of election. including by ordering, inciting, He also expressed US support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its work to deliver free, fair and credible elections, in its essential efforts to distribute Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and help ensure that electronic voter card readers are in place and fully operational.

Patience Jonathan Meanwhile, ICC prosecutors have confirmed receiving correspondence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Patience Jonathan, the Nigerian first lady. The official criminal case reference number is OTP-CR-83/15. An APC spokesman in the United Kingdom claims that, “the ICC based in the Hague has sent confirmation to APC UK, that an investigation will begin against Mrs Jonathan who repeatedly called for the stoning of opposition APC members as captured in the videos released earlier this month”.

Movement Restrictions Enforced

The IG of Police, Abba, has The Federal Government has All borders will be effectively restricted movement of vehicles announced the closure of all closed between midnight March between 8am and 5pm on the land and sea borders ahead 25th to midnight Saturday March upcoming voting days – 28th of Saturday’s presidential 28th, “to “allow for the peaceful March and 11th April. elections, the Interior Ministry conduct of the forthcoming has announced. elections.”

Military Manoeuvres

A Federal Court in Lagos has to it playing an arbitration role Federal High Court in Sokoto ruled that the Nigerian Armed in political conflicts among last January also barring the use Forces have no role in the parties and dictating the terms of armed forces in the conduct conduct of elections in the of democracy. of elections. country. But the court relied on a recent For more detailed legal Following the postponement Court of Appeal ruling that discussion on the use of military of the election on the grounds barred the use of soldiers in the of military unpreparedness, the conduct of elections, stating for elections, check out Issue 7 definition between the military that it was a violation of Section of Flashpoints. and Jonathan’s administration 217(2)(c) of the Constitution and has become increasingly hazy. Section 1 of the Armed Forces Act. Asking for a guarantee of national security politicised the The appellate court had also military and opened the door relied on a judgment by a ELECTION-RELATED VIOLENCE: FOREIGNERS LEAVE NIGERIA IN DROVES

Many foreign missions in the country have advised their citizens against staying behind for fear of post-elections violence in Nigeria, with many seen leaving the country at both Lagos and Abuja international airports. Schools, especially private schools, are planning closures for the second term as proactive measures against the uncertain outcome following the polls. The streets of Rivers State have become particularly eerie this week. Fewer cars on the road make for an unusual change from bumper-to-bumper traffic, but an increase in police checkpoints to stop drivers is an intimidating nuisance.

Violence in Rivers

The Department of State Security (DSS) has expressed worry over the spate of politically motivated killings in Rivers State ahead of the forthcoming general elections in the country. Governor Amaechi alleged recently that over thirty members of his APC have been gunned down in Rivers State in political related circumstance. Meanwhile PDP governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike, said over 45 PDP members have been killed on account of their affiliation when he addressed a team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) last week. Death Squads “An Epidemic of Political Commenting on the matter, Dr Violence” Parker said in a statement, “Let Wike alleged that the governor us note here that the Ebola maintains a killer squad in the Rivers State commissioner of scourge for which the country police named ‘See for Eye’, code Health, Dr Sampson Parker, says and our state rose up as one to named C4I to kill their members that between January this year combat only accounted for 10 before the elections. and March, the state owned deaths in Nigeria, out of which Braithwaite Memorial Hospital two were in Rivers State.” “We call on Inspector General and the Kelsey Harrison Hospital of Police to, as a matter of have admitted 41 patients for He continued to observe that, urgency, disband Amaechi’s hit gunshot injuries and 26 for “Today, we go about our lives as squad called C4I used to kill our assault that can be directly if we have accepted this ominous members before the general attributed to political violence. situation”, warning of an ignored election. We will, otherwise, be “epidemic of political violence”. compelled to defend ourselves No doubt there are many more against the killings.” cases neither reported to the Many of the deaths have been police, nor to government health attributed to warring cult gangs. Amaechi however accuses the facilities, nor picked up on and They often recruit young men opposite, arguing the in a likely voiced by the public for fear of looking for work in whatever is step towards executing an reprisal. These figures therefore currently paying. Right now, the alleged scheme to assassinate do not truly reflect the death top employers are politically Peterside, Federal Government toll of the violence, which is affiliated actors looking to stoke has intervened in state expected to be much higher. violence and intimidation to security and, “commenced the influence voting. withdrawal of police security for Over the weekend the police top APC members including that confirmed 8 deaths from of gubernatorial candidate, Dr shootouts in Port Harcourt Dakuku Peterside.” alone, following 12 confirmed the weekend before.

JOURNALISTS STILL DENIED ENTRY TO COVER ELECTIONS

In an application process that 4 News. Or any of the 20-odd days around election times are typically takes one week, other British media outlets that observing the rules of the game many British journalists are have asked for press visas to but not the spirit,” still awaiting their press visas cover the elections, and whose despite submitting applications applications still languish in a pile We think that if you really want months ago. at the Nigerian High Commission to observe the ‘spirit’ then it in London,” takes more than the one week of Colin Freeman, foreign ‘on-the-ground reportage’ that correspondent for the Telegraph, He said most applications for Freeman was planning. wrote obtaining a visa “normally press visas were filed ahead of takes only a week, and given previous election date – granting Previous issues of Flashpoints that my application went in two authorities an additional six cover and analyse all election months ago, I’m beginning to weeks to sift through. related issues as they have think the Nigerian government emerged over the past 11 weeks, doesn’t want me there.” Freeman said even if his visa grounded in the local Nigerian arrives just in time next week, context, with local views from He went on to complain that, it would not be conducive to the Niger Delta. You can find “Sadly, if it’s on-the-ground giving the controversial elections them at www.nigerdeltawatch. reportage you want, don’t come proper coverage. “Countries that org, under ‘Election Newsletter’. to me. Or The Times or Channel only let foreign press in for a few A signed death certificate of All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate, Chief Christopher Anirah, made its way to both the national chairman of the party, and the national INEC chairman, despite the man claiming he is still alive. A letter dated January 15, signed by one Mr. Chidi Okonji and sent to the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun, was titled ‘Substitution of a Dead Candidate’. Another dated January 20, addressed to INEC Chairman Jega, purportedly signed by Chief Odifie-Oyegun, said “The party is seeking to substitute the candidacy of Chief Anirah with Mr. Gibson Akporehe, following the demise of Chief Anirah.” I’M STILL ALIVE”, CLAIMS APC Reacting to the news of his CANDIDATE: REACTION TO NEWS death, Anirah said “I am still alive and would be contesting the OF OWN DEATH election on the platform of APC. Those peddling such rumours are my political detractors, who are bent on stealing the mandate of the electorate.” It is not clear who went to INEC to try and change the name of the candidate running for Okpe, Uvwie & Sapele Federal Constituency, Delta State.

IS 750,000 INEC AD HOC STAFF ENOUGH FOR THE 2015 ELECTIONS?

Following the sudden demise of General Sani Abacha in June 1998, his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar dissolved the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) instituted by his predecessor. NECON had conducted elections into local government councils, state legislatures and National Assembly preparatory to Abacha’s grand plan to mutate from a military ruler to a civilian president in 1998. In NECON’s place Abdulsalami’s administration established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission conducted all transitional elections that ushered in the current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999. As contained in Section 15, Part across the 774 local government Mr. Kayode Idowu, INEC’s Chief 1 of the Third Schedule of the areas in the 36 states of Nigeria Press Secretary disclosed in 2014 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and the Federal Capital Territory that the commission was almost and Section 2 of the Electoral (FCT). concluding the engagement Act 2010 (As Amended), INEC’s of the ad hoc staff across the functions include among others, Since 1999 INEC has engaged country: “Getting that number to: ad hoc personnel to support is not an easy task, but the its permanent staff to organise recruitment is nearly concluded, “Organise, undertake and voter registration and conduct except in isolated places where supervise all elections to the elections all over the country. we still need to make up with the offices of the President and The continuous engagement number.” Vice-President, the Governor of ad hoc personnel is to cut and Deputy Governor of a cost of maintaining a large While it is not clear if that much State, and to the membership workforce that will for the most number has been engaged, it is of the Senate, the House of times be redundant until it is an certain that out in the field will Representatives and the House election season which in Nigeria be thousands of non-permanent of Assembly of each state of the is every four years. As at 2014 INEC personnel overseeing the federation;” the commission’s permanent conduct of the 2015 elections. In workforce was put at just over Rivers state the commission said “Arrange and conduct the 14,000, a figure, if distributed it had engaged about 23,000 ad registration of persons qualified evenly among the 36 states and hoc staff. In Kano, 48,000 are to vote and prepare, maintain FCT, will be 378 going to each. In needed. In Lagos, over 33,860 and revise the register of past elections INEC deployed no have been engaged. In each of voters for the purpose of any fewer than 8,000 personnel in Taraba and Anambra, no fewer election under this [the 1999] each state and the FCT. than 12,000 have engaged. constitution;” The Challenge of Credible The majority of ad hoc staff are drawn from serving and “Conduct any referendum Elections required to be conducted former NYSC members, 3rd pursuant to the provision of In 2011 INEC engaged about year university students, the the 1999 Constitution or any 300,000 ad hoc staff to conduct academia and other group of other law or Act of the National the general elections in that Nigerians. It is on their shoulders Assembly.” year. For the 2015 elections, the therefore that the conduct of commission said it would require credible elections this year rests. Huge Responsibility, Huge the services of at least 750,000 While any failure or success will ultimately be attributed to INEC, Workforce ad hoc personnel. To perform these functions, it is the collective resolve of INEC engages a workforce that This is in view of changes these non-permanent personnel is second only to that of the effected in the electoral process to serve with integrity that will Nigeria Police (said to have about like the Permanent Voter Card determine whether Nigerians 300,000 officers and men). (PVC) and Card Reader that will look back and say the 2015 INEC staff strength comprises would require more personnel at elections bettered previous of the workforce recruited since the over 150,000 voting points elections. 1987 under the former National across the country that was the Electoral Commission (NEC). The case in the past. commission’s staff are spread

#RiversDebate2015 Trending on Twitter

The debate raised lots of important points and stimulated a discussion amongst the watching public. In particular, the #RiversDebate 2015 hashtag was red hot on twitter. According to Nigeria Trends, almost 3 million people saw the hashtag since its 1st mention up until it became a trending topic. As it was trending from 19:15 until well into the early hours of the morning the outreach was far bigger than we could imagine. One thing is certain: It sparked more conversation than the National Presidential Debate held the night before! Written by Stakeholder Democracy Network: