Hundreds of Nigerians residing in South Africa on Thursday condemned remark by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole that the sins of politicians are forgiven when they join the ruling party.
They said though they support the current anti-corruption fight, such remark by the leadership of the APC was unacceptable.
Speaking during a rally in front of Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, the protesters also demanded a free and fair elections during the forthcoming polls.
The rally which was organised under the umbrella of Southgerians, also called on government to ensure that other arms of government like the legislature and the judiciary are unencumbered from functioning and carrying out their legitimate duties.
A statement signed by Tagbo Agbazue and John Metchie, convener and Director, Southgerians which was submitted to the Nigerian Consulate stated that the international community and other stakeholders in Nigeria should be vigilant as well as “monitor what is going on in Nigeria in order to ensure that the gains made by the country in its democratic growth are not reversed.”
They charged the Police, Army and other security agencies be neutral throughout the period of the election, adding that voters should not be intimidated.
According to the body, the Electoral Act should be signed into law and that the independence of the Judiciary should not be compromised.
The statement reads: “These conditions should be based on the following: Respect for the Rule of Law and the doctrine of Separation of Powers, as enshrined in the Constitution; Guaranteed independence of all institutions that protect Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy (eg the National Assembly and the Judiciary, as well as INEC, Human Rights Commission, the Ombudsman, the police and other law enforcement and security institutions etc.
“Supported by the observance and practice of the tenets of good governance, Responsibility, Accountability, Transparency and Fairness, as well as independence, discipline and social responsibility.
“All these conditions are of critical importance to ensure Nigeria’s long term growth, sustainability and competitiveness, as well as the success of the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.
“In particular, INEC should act independently and be well resourced with the necessary financial, human and material capacity to deliver on their mandate effectively. INEC should specifically take on board the lessons from Osun and Ekiti States to ensure the avoidance of the similar controversies.
“We also wish to specifically highlight the importance of guarding the independence of our Judiciary. Therefore, efforts to harass and intimidate the Chief Justice are highly condemned. All allegations of impropriety should be handled in observance of our laws.
“We support all efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. We, however, believe that corruption should be combated without fear or favour. We condemn statements attributed to the leadership of the APC that: “join the party and your sins would be forgiven.”
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