The Coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG), has alleged plots by some powerful persons to scuttle the 2023 general election following the high rates of attacks on government facilities, fuel scarcity and the redesigning of the countrys currency.
The CNG spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, while addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, said the ratification and vigorous pursuit of a regime of harsh economic and financial policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) less than a month to the election, is inflicting pains on the electorates and heating up the political atmosphere.
He said a 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.
Suleiman said many Nigerian families and businesses are groaning over the scarcity of fuel and the hike in the pump price ranging from N270 to N400 per litre in recent weeks, which he said is seen by many as the handiwork of high profile saboteurs bent on throwing a wedge in the nations democratic process, by derailing the coming elections.
The timing for the implementation of such a policy in a country, in which the total number of deposit money bank branches is just 5,437, with a concentration 1,624 branches in Lagos alone, other southern states – 2235, and the entire Northern Nigerian States – 1,188, Abuja – 390, is certainly a calculated effort to bring about general confusion that would threaten the 2023 polls.
Noteworthy as well is that, of the 109 million adults in Nigeria, only 56 million have BVNs, leaving 53 million Nigerian adults without access to digital payment systems when little cash is available”.
He further stated that the resurgence of violence in the South-East region, with attacks on security personnel, national security assets, INEC infrastructure and election facilities, unprovoked evictions, attacks and killings of northerners natives, is also part of a mega-plan to create a chaotic atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
The CNG declared 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.
Suleiman warned that all manifestations of schemes by political opportunists desperate to cover their tracks of corruption and wanton abuses by scuttling the elections would face stiff resistance.
