Buhari: Perpetrators of Election Violence Will Face Prosecution

To appoint experienced technocrats to study hand-over notes and make recommendations

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has given a firm assurance that perpetrators of election violence will not go unpunished.

Buhari made this pledge while fielding questions from journalists yesterday in Daura, Katsina State on the protests and complaints over voting irregularities and violent attacks that characterized electoral process in some states.

"We will like to let people know that at the appropriate time those who are responsible for election violence are going to court for prosecution.

"I personally will like to be very legal about it. What we should do is to modify the electoral system adhering to the provisions of the law," the President-elect said of his incoming administration.

He however noted that he observed that the violence that accompanied yesterday's governorship and House of Assembly elections were not as much as what was experienced during last month’s presidential election.

“I think that after the elections and both key parties make their presentations to INEC, may be the picture will become clearer.”

He said he would study the situation and seek the understanding of the National Assembly on the way forward.

The President- elect who lamented the running battles

the Governors of Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi; Edo, Adams Oshiomhole; and Imo, Rochas Okorocha were having with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies, said it had become necessary that "those behind it are totally exposed so that Nigerians will know which of the law enforcement agencies and at what levels are undermining the constitution of Nigeria."

He said such measures would ensure that in future, those who are in similar position will know that they are not beyond the law.

He said: "I think that is what will bring more stability into the system. In view of that, I will try and work with the National Assembly to make sure that we do something about it.

"I will like to work within the system because we believe in it. I have just told you about three governors and the battle they have with the law enforcement agents in their states.

"We discussed and adviced them to try and document these things legally so that it can be taken before the court and we will make sure that we register the cooperation of the court so that people who work against the law are prosecuted, especially those who have lost their immunity, especially those who think they have immunity because this is the best way to stabilize the system.”

Buhari said, "People must not benefit from being lawless. You can't be in a position by virtue of the constitution, subvert the constitution and continue to enjoy the privileges offered by the constitution. I don't think that will be acceptable by the APC. So, whether you are in the opposition or the government, you have to behave yourself. I think that is the way we can make progress.

"I think we should allow INEC to give its comprehensive report. Meanwhile, as you mentioned in some of the states, especially in Rivers and Lagos, the two parties are slugging it out. I think we have to take our time and let us get as much report as possible in accordance with the Electoral Act.

"I personally want to be legal about this so that people will appreciate that we believe in a system. What we need to do is to modify the system according to the law if we don't like it and that no one should come out and do to the system whatever he likes.”

On the constitution of transition committee, Buhari said he would forward a list of the transition committee members with terms of reference to the party leadership to take a look at it.

"Personally, I think I have idea of who I would like to be my ministers. I will appoint knowledgeable and experienced technocrats to study the hand-over notes and make recommendations. They are to be made up of a crop of patriotic Nigerians," he said.

On reform in the electoral process, he said it will be better to allow INEC to conclude its report on the election before looking at it.

Buhari also spoke on the decision of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to leave office at the expiration of his tenure in June, adding that since Prof. Jega had said he would be leaving at the end of his tenure, “we will be glad to receive his hand-over note and to study his report in order to chart a way forward.”

On the gale of defections that has trailed his victory, Buhari said the situation had presented a challenge to the leadership of APC to ensure that it manages the number in such a manner that justice prevails in the affairs of the party.

“Whatever remnants of PDP that remains by May 29, I can assure those coming in that there will be justice in APC.”

Speaking on the idea of a government of national unity, he said if he wants to form an inclusive government he would still prefer to keep such plan for the party to decide.

He however said he would not want his administration to be taken over by late hour defectors from the PDP, adding that APC manifestos remained the centre-piece of the incoming government.

"Those who were chief executives from local government to states will be encouraged to work together. So, those that are coming in, I hope they will accept that they are coming to join those who succeeded and they should cooperate with them.

"They can't come and say that because they were once ministers under PDP, they will join APC and become ministers the following month or so. I don't think that it will be acceptable even by their constituencies.

"For those that are coming into the APC, I have no fear because we have our party structure. The fact that you were a party chairman or you were a minister before you joined the APC, we appreciate the fact that you remain relevant in your immediate locality.

Speaking further, Buhari said, "When it comes to the centre, there is equality in the way the government will handle you. If we win majority of members of the National Assembly and Houses of Assembly in the states, it means that it is with the agreement of their constituencies that the Federal Government has the power that it has.

" If the federal government is insisting on accountability and being responsible, even if they go back to their constituencies, there is nothing they can do about the decision of the government. We are banking on that. I will give you an example of my state, Katsina.

"In 2011, the CPC won all the senatorial seats and 13 out of the 15 House of Representatives seats but they lost the governorship. Who did the election? Did people from space come for the election? That is the bad thing about lack of cohesion in a party. Leadership at all levels must work in concert. "Otherwise, what Katsina State suffered, any state or the centre can suffer same..