In a bold move that echoes the collective heartbeat of a nation, Chief Osita Chidoka, the luminary Founder and Chancellor of Athena Institute, has wielded the pen of accountability by officially submitting a Freedom of Information ,FOI, request to the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC.
The subject of his inquiry? The recent governorship election held on the 11th of November 2023 in the pivotal states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.
This audacious request, now in the firm grip of INEC’s attention, delves deep into the core of the electoral machinery, specifically targeting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System ,BVAS, machines that orchestrated the ballet of democracy in those three states.
It is a quest for comprehensive accreditation data, a demand for transparency in a process that defines the essence of a democratic nation.
The acknowledgment of this FOI request by INEC is not just a perfunctory bureaucratic gesture; it is a crucial step forward in the journey towards an accountable electoral system. It stands as a testament to a resolute commitment, a pact to ensure that the democratic processes unfold as a reflection of the true will of the people.
Chief Chidoka, the orchestrator of this symphony of transparency, calls on his fellow Nigerians to stand unwavering in this collective pursuit. “Let us not waver in our resolve,” he declares, his voice echoing through the corridors of civic duty.
“The request to INEC and its acknowledgment of the letter is the first step in our quest to reimagine Nigeria.”
In the face of skepticism and doubt, he remains hopeful, seeing INEC’s response as a potential beacon of hope. It is a signal, he believes, that the voices of the people resonate in the ears of those entrusted with the guardianship of democracy.
“It is a testament to our collective power to enact change and fortify the pillars of our democracy,” he declares with conviction.
But Chief Chidoka is not merely content with hope; he is a man of action. “I stand determined to fully pursue justice and transparency,” he asserts, his words carrying the weight of a moral imperative.
His commitment extends to a readiness to initiate legal proceedings should INEC falter in its response within the stipulated seven-day period mandated by the law.
The former Minister of Aviation pulls back the curtain on his strategy, revealing that a cadre of lawyers stands ready in the wings, prepared to champion the cause.
“I am bolstered by the solidarity of esteemed lawyers who have generously pledged to provide their services pro bono to support this cause, should it be necessary.”
In Chidoka’s eyes, this is not a solitary skirmish but a shared endeavor for every Nigerian who yearns for an electoral system grounded in trust. “Let us unite in this effort,” he implores, his words resonating with a call to arms. “For the integrity of our democracy is at stake.”
His tenure as the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission ,FRSC, lends a certain gravitas to his words. “This is not a time for complacency,” he warns. “We will remain vigilant and proactive, ready to take the necessary steps to protect the sanctity of our votes and the democratic values we hold dear.”
And so, the narrative unfolds—a tale of a modern-day crusader, armed not with swords but with the pen of justice. As the nation watches, Chief Osita Chidoka stands at the vanguard, a symbol of hope, accountability, and the unwavering spirit of a people determined to shape their destiny.
The echoes of his call reverberate through the collective consciousness, inviting all to join hands in this epic saga for a democracy that stands the test of scrutiny, a democracy built on the bedrock of trust and transparency.
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