Northern group raises alarm over plots to thwarts 2023 general elections

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has raised concerns over an alleged plot by some scrupulous elements to thwart the 2023 general elections by making the new Naira notes scarce and increased violence on INEC offices.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja, CNG spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the unfolding of these events have negatively affected ordinary Nigerians and potentially frustrates interest in the elections.

He went further to say the timing for the implementation of the new Naira notes was ill-timed and poses a huge threat to the conduct of a free, fair and credible election.

Suleiman said, “CNG notes particularly, the ratification and vigorous pursuit of a regime of harsh unrealistic economic and financial policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria less than a month to the election, inflicting pains on the electorates and heating up the political atmosphere.

“Another hard proof of potential threat to a peaceful transition through an acceptable electoral process, is having fuel scarcity grounding activities and frustrating the population a month to the election.

“At the same time, embarking on Naira Exchange and making the new currency scarce by the CBN is another latent ground for suspicion.

“The timing for the implementation of such a policy in a country in which the total mumber of deposit money bank branches is just 5,437 with a concentration 1624 branches in Lagos alone, other southern states 2235, and the entire Northern Nigerian states 1188, Abuja 390 is certainly a calculated to effort to bring about general confusion that would threaten the 2023 polls.

“Emiefile’s apparent arrogant stance on no going back on the January 31st deadline despite the patriotic intervention of the Nigerian Senate urging the CBN to extend the deadline by 6 months, the outright rejection of the policy by the Federal House of Representatives and the Nigerian Governors Forum, has inadvertently made the situation all the more suspicious.”

CNG called on President Muhammadu Buhari to absolve himself by reclaiming his statesmanship by standing against any machination against the conduct of credible elections and peaceful handover.

The group also called on Nigerians not to be discouraged in casting their votes during the election.

Suleiman said, “That for the avoidance of doubt, we warn that any attempt from any quarters, to hoist any form of undemocratic arrangement short of a transparent, free and fair elections will be roundly resisted and rejected.

“Finally, we urge the Nigerian people to prepare to endure the pains and ensure they cast their votes and their votes count, regardless of the antics of enemies of the country and undemocratic elements.”