The National Democratic
Vanguard (NDV) is constrained to once again call the attention of the Nigeria
public to the continuous unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral
Commision (INEC) towards ensuring a free, fair and credible 2015 elections in
Nigeria. Despite the postponement of the earlier scheduled date of February
14th, Nigerians have expected an improvement in the shoddy preparations by INEC
which was largely responsible for the earlier postponement. It is on record
that Professor Jega himself while appearing before the Nigeria Senate admitted
that the postponement was a blessing in disguise with the confession that as at
the earlier scheduled date of February 14th, over One million PVCs were yet to
be printed while other critical issues such as the training of adhoc staff on
the use of the card readers were yet to be addressed.
The various lapses in
the continuous distribution and collection of permanent voter’s card (PVC) is
an indication that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains
unprepared for the general elections even as the new date of March 28
approaches. There is no doubt that this is a deliberate ploy of INEC to rig the
2015 elections, based on several revelations on the romance by the INEC
Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega with certain elements within the Nigeria
opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC).
Events of the last few
days have exposed INEC of collaborating with the APC in some of its stronghold
through situations where INEC officials have compromised the distribution
process by giving chunks of PVC to unidentified individuals for collection by
proxy and sometimes through home delivery to persons known only to be
sympathetic to the APC. This act has since rendered a judicious accountability
of the PVC susceptible to corruption and foul play.
We insist that with
Professor Attahiru Jega at the helms of affairs of the commission, a lot of
eligible Nigerians will end up being disenfranchised. Recent revelations
including how cards belonging to persons in certain localities and States find
their way to other distant locations calls for serious questioning. For
instance, the recent claim by the Resident Electoral Commissioner REC of Cross
Rivers state that he was called by his colleague in Kebbi and alerted him of
the presence of bags of PVCs belonging to Cross River state voters in Kebbi
State and similar allegation by the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle
Amosun that over 600,000 PVCs sent to Ogun state were not for voters in the
State shows clearly that there is an attempt to frustrate eligible voters and
deny them of their rights.
Meanwhile, we urge the
Federal government to intensify efforts at improving on the security situation
in the country particularly in the insurgency ravaged region. This remains a
key factor that can guarantee that the constitutional requirement of election
taking place in every part of the country is fulfilled. Issues of political
violence that persists across the country must be addressed and assurance must
be given to Nigerians that their lives and properties will be secured before,
during and after the scheduled day of March 28 and April 11, 2015.
Finally, we urge
Nigerians to sustain the demand for a truly Independent electoral commission
that can guarantee a credible election against what the Professor Jega's INEC
currently represents.
Signed:
Kola Salau
for: National Democratic Vanguard NDV
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