Foundation urges free, non-violent 2019 polls

The CLEEN Foundation has urged all stakeholders to ensure the successes of the 2019 General Elections, as part of measures to save the country from collapse and engender national development.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Benson Olugbuo, made the plea yesterday in Abuja at the 20 anniversary commemorative press conference.

“As the 2019 general elections draw closer, we call on all Nigerians to ensure free and credible elections. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to play by the rules; be impartial, non-partisan and professional throughout the conduct of the elections,” Olugbuo said.

According to him, a free, fair, transparent, inclusive and violent free election is possible when citizens engage aspirants in fruitful dialogues and campaigns are issue-based devoid of hate speeches or inflammatory statements. He said, “Our votes must count and Nigerians expect the Federal Government to create an enabling environment where citizens will freely exercise their rights to participate, vote candidates of their choice without fear of retribution or violence.” He said the foundation would be celebrating her 20th anniversary from 26th-30th November 2018. He said the foundation originally founded by Mr. Innocent Chukwuma in 1998 as the Centre for Law Enforcement and Education in Nigeria, received was a grant of $1000 from the Netherland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in August 1998.