By Felix Khanoba
A non-governmental organisation, Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) has thrown its weight behind ongoing efforts to curb vote buying in the 2023 general elections through the Naira redesign policy of the Federal Government.
SERDEC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Tijani Abdulkareem, on Thursday, however, expressed concern on hardship brought on ordinary Nigerians by the policy, just as it called on government to address the problem.
The statement reads in full : “Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) has kept close tabs on the Naira redesign and cash swap policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Although the implementation has caused serious hardships, which should be immediately addressed for the sake of millions of Nigerians, SERDEC is however not losing sight of the benefits of the policy in the area of curbing vote buying. SERDEC commends government’s efforts to tackle vote buying during the general elections. The historic 2023 general elections present Nigerians with a unique opportunity to make their democratic choices. The President is therefore on the right path with respect to government’s efforts to stop the anti-democratic activities of vote buyers and other enemies of free, fair and credible elections.
“Nonetheless, SERDEC believes that the ordinary people in the country need not bear the brunt of this policy. It is SERDEC’s considered position that the government, through its law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies put more spotlight on political actors’ financial activities.
“SERDEC therefore calls on the President to mandate the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Financial Intelligence Unit to keep a close watch on the financial activities of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and political parties in the weeks before, during and after the elections. SERDEC believes this is a more effective way to address the threat of vote buying, without disrupting the economy and the livelihood of honest and hardworking Nigerians.
“SERDEC reiterates its concurrence on the need to safeguard the right of Nigerians to freely elect their leaders, without coercion or inducement. We therefore stand with all well-meaning efforts to ensure the votes of the Nigerian people count.”
