2019: GIYL Decries Disenfranchisement Of Nigerians In Diaspora
The Global Interaction for Youth Leadership (GIYL) has decried what it described as the disenfranchisement of Nigerians in Diaspora in the scheduled 2019 general elections.
Speaking at their weekly forum on the STATE OF THE NATION the GIYL said the more questions its members asked, the less the answers the get on very key important national questions.
It therefore challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to take advantage of the revolution in Information Technology in the country as Nigeria has become the toast of powerful IT companies like Google and Facebook.
Speaking at their weekly Forum, the Executive Coordinator of GIYL, Mr. Jude Aririesike noted that Nigeria and indeed INEC can save time and money if they can engage a firm with impeccable integrity to host a website for electioneering while Nigerians in Diaspora can form the test run voters using the BVN which could be likened to the social security number (SSN) in the United States.
Also speaking, one of the moderators of the forum, Mr. Deji Tobun, said the Bureau for statistics and the ministry of Interior should be up and doing, stressing that the BVN should be further expanded to stop the duplication of information in order to save time and money.
Another contributor at the forum, Mr. Chinedu Mbah urged the government to resolve the taxation issues surrounding Nigerians in Diaspora earning legitimately, adding that a resolution of the dicey issue would go a long way to solve enabling legislation as regards online voting by Nigerians in Diaspora.
The Deputy National Coordinator of the Group, Mr. Ropo Egbeleke gave a brief history on the advocacy of Diaspora voting, saying that the agitation for Diaspora voting has been on since 2006 but had always hits the rock at the National Assembly.
He however said that the bill to establish Diapora Commission has been passed despite resistance from certain geo-political zones.
Mr. Raimi Babatunde Yusuf in his submission believes the basis for electoral violence can be cubbed by rounding up polling units into polling centres and creation of electoral courts to deal with electoral crimes and petitions.
In his own view, Engr. Bruno Kelechi Iwuh said that with the inherent corruption in the system and even the INEC, it will be almost impossible to have a credible election, let alone online voting. He ended his submission by advocating support for the cause of GIYL in all ramifications.
Dr Uche Ace in his statement faults the e-voting or online voting system due to unavailability of the infrastructure to run the system. He however made it clear of how dangerous it will be to outsource such security to an external firm in view of the indications of Russian interference in the US election that produce Donald Trump as US President.
GIYL Take Back
Nigeria is our country as bad as we feel we have nowhere else to call our own (apart from those of us with dual citizenship). It may be too early to talk about online voting but it is not impossible even now. GIYL as a strong voice of the Nigeria youths must continue to advocate for improved national electioneering system devoid of card reader failure, vote buying, thuggery, Voter intimidation, vandalizing of election materials, ballot snatching, rigging of any form etc.
Global Interaction for Youth Leadership (GIYL) is essentially focused in advocating for a generational change in the political schematics of Nigeria. We believe that the socio-economic and political fortunes of Nigeria could be better if competent, resourceful, visionary young Nigerians with the right credentials get actively involved in leadership and governance. This can be achieved through massive sensitization, leadership training and capacity building. We are open to the public. Visit: www.giylng.com to read more. Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @giylnig
