Amid reported upsurge of incessant attacks on the facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fury human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has warned that unless these menace are put in check, the conduct of the 2023 general election may be in jeopardy.
The Ekiti born lawyer who made this observation, alerts that there are caculated attempts by some unknown persons to truncate the current on going democratic process.
Falana, in a release captioned: “Halt official sabotage of 2023 general elections, noted in dismay that the frequent attacks on INEC facilities across the nation posed a serious threat to the conduct of next year general elections.
He insisted that unless security forces are prepared to deal decisively with the anti democratic elements that are currently disrupting the democratic process, the conduct of the general elections may be sabotaged to the detriment of democracy and stability in the country.
The human rights lawyer lamented that despite assurances by security operatives, INEC regional offices had suffered severe attacks, particularly in Imo, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, among others, with properties and facilities running into millions naira being destroyed.
He observed in dismay that despite the reported large army of security personnel deployed to INEC regional offices nation wide, suspected arsonists still gain unfiltered access to the Commission’s facilities.
Falana, however, warned that if this dangerous trend is allowed to fester, INEC would not be in a position to conduct credible elections in the affected areas.
He also noted that though suspected arsonists were reported caught, but lamented that none had been charged before any court of competent jurisdiction
