TheCable

The 2019 general elections might have come and gone yet the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Conflict Resolutions in Nigeria is still assessing the exercise.

In its final report, the group acknowledged the “remarkable role played by Tukur Buratai,,the chief of army staff, and the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the nation’s democracy and defending the constitution.

“Unlike recent history, Nigeria witnessed professional conduct and proactive approach to violence,” the group said.

“The Nigerian troops rose to the occasion, halting obvious plot to manipulate the elections, especially in the country’s oil-rich south-south region.

“Having thoroughly examined the roles of the government and other critical stakeholders in the conduct of the polls, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Conflict Resolutions in Nigeria showered praises on the Nigerian troops, clearing them from any wrongdoing.

“This conclusion was reached after a team of researchers carefully interviewed political leaders at ward levels, clergymen as well as a segment of the voting population on the level of involvement of the security agencies in the conduct of the gubernatorial and presidential elections in six states.”

These states include Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Rivers, Nasarawa and Zamfara – all alleged to have been embroiled in violence.

The group further revealed that the claims of human rights violations were not factual and reports that agents of government were used to intimidate voters were based on illogical conclusions.

The report was signed by Maxwell Gowon, national coordinator of the group.