NLC commends Nigerians for defying security threat

The Nigeria Labour Congress has commended Nigerians for defying security threats by coming out en-masse to cast their votes in the presidential election.

It made the commendation on Sunday in Abuja in a statement by its Acting General Secretary, Mr. Owei Lakemfa.

The statement noted that in spite of rumours of bombs in places like Abuja and Niger State, “Nigerians, through their actions, said they could not be intimidated.‘‘

It attributed the success of the election to the resolve of Nigerians to ensure that their votes counted, and that the will of the electorate prevailed.

The statement commended INEC for its hard work, impartiality and competence, adding that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, had shown exemplary conduct and commitment to the democratic process.

It said that Nigerians got the National Assembly and presidential elections right, adding: “In order to make history, Nigeria must get the elections right.‘‘

The statement commended security agencies for providing security, and the candidates for issue-based campaigns, rather than engaging in sentiments.

It urged Nigerians to come out in the remaining elections to make the 2011 general elections a huge success.

The statement said, “The NLC is elated at the orderly, peaceful and all-inclusive conduct of Saturday’s presidential elections in spite of some hitches, which are not unexpected in elections of such magnitude.

“The congress commends the sacrifices made by Nigerians who spent hours queueing for accreditation, actual voting and finally staying behind to ensure that their precious votes count.

“If the populace carries the type of consciousness and determination it displayed in the presidential elections into the process of governance and asserts its right as the sovereign power in the land, we shall give birth to a new nation.

“We will have a new democratic dispensation in which the views, feelings, opinions and interests of the populace will be the determinant factor in policy making and implementation.

“It will be a new Nigeria, where the electorate can, in practice, exercise the power of recall over any elected politician, and determine the country’s path of development.‘‘