NBA sets up election monitoring team

THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has inaugurated its Election Working Group to monitor next month’s general elections.

Among its terms of reference, the group is to develop a platform from which reports from lawyers from different polling units can be collated and documented.

The 27-man committee headed by Dafe Akpedeye (SAN) will coordinate in different polling units, monitor and initiate discussions with security agencies to ensure a secured environment.

It will also meet with traditional and religious leaders as well as partner civil society organisations and other stakeholders on electoral reforms.

NBA’s President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) said: “Disturbing electoral trends such as intimidation of voters, snatching of ballot boxes and other vices shall be the focal-point of the Election Working Group.

“Proactive steps must be adopted to checkmate incidences of electoral violence and malpractice. The Election Working Group shall set up a communication platform for efficient reporting of the elections by lawyers serving as election monitors/observers in various polling units in the country.”