By Innocent Odoh
Abuja
Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna, has called for a provision for the participation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the electoral system.
The former Governor of Adamawa state said the call was necessary considering the large numbers of Nigerians displaced in various parts of the country.
Recall that Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State, the home town of Haruna, has been under occupation by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
Michika was razed by the insurgents, including Haruna’s family residence in Kuborshosho, which gain momentum in the media.
But Haruna said Internally Displaced Persons, whether on account of insurgency or natural disaster like flood and any other circumstance, should not be a basis for them to be disenfranchised and denied the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility or duty.
He added that provision should be made in the nation’s Electoral Act for them to cast their votes and for their votes to count for any party or any candidate they decide to choose.
“That is actually the important thing. The National Assembly should take the fastest track to ensure that in the 2015 election, such provision is made for the Internally Displaced Persons in all parts of the country,” Haruna said.
While noting that the issue of creating an enabling electoral environment for the Internally Displaced Persons was not just a matter of the North Eastern part of the country, Haruna said Internally Displaced Persons cut across the country.
“And it will be unfair to deny them the opportunity to exercise their civic duty and their numbers run into millions.
“So, this is a personal appeal and I am sure I am speaking the minds of Internally Displaced Persons,” Haruna stated.
