EU, NLC, IBB: Give Jega a chance

The European Union (EU), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  and former military President Ibrahim Babangida have pleaded with Nigerians to see reason with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the postponement of the National Assembly elections till tomorrow.

 “The European Union Election Observation Mission was impressed by the enthusiasm among the Nigerian voters to participate in the elections in a generally peaceful environment,” said Chief Observer, Alojz Peterle on yesterday in Lagos. 

“We have observed the commitment of many polling unit staff. However, we have also observed logistical deficiencies in a number of states regarding the delivery of sensitive election materials, including ballots and result forms,” added the Chief Observer.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has noted the decision by INEC to postpone the elections. Alojz Peterle said: “We understand this as an expression to sustain the commitment to conduct credible elections, in particular by providing all technical conditions.”

“In this spirit,” said Peterle, “the EU EOM encourages the political parties to further respect the Code of Conduct. We also encourage the voters, the electoral administration, candidates, and other stakeholders to maintain confidence and determination towards a peaceful and credible conduct of the polls throughout the entire electoral process. “

The NLC has also called for calm. “Voters should not be discouraged. Postponement affects all parties and should be accepted. INEC was late in announcing the postponement and must do everything to safeguard materials already distributed. Also, any restriction on Monday should be limited to allow skeletal services including by banks.” The statement was signed by NLC acting Secretary General, Owei, Lakemfa.

Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida said Jega should be commended for his courage to tell the nation the truth.

Babangida, who made his position known through a statement by his spokesman, Kassim Afegbua, said: “The postponement of the National Assembly elections till Monday did not come as a surprise because of the short time available to the electoral body to prepare for these elections.

“ Even at that and despite the shortcomings experienced as a result of the unanticipated late arrival of result sheets, the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega should be commended for his courage to own up to these discrepancies and inadequacies.

“He deserves to be encouraged and motivated in the light of our present shortcomings, so that the electoral body would be able to conduct a better election rather than conduct one that would be subject of condemnation and rejection.

“With the late arrival of election materials, it would have been impossible to conduct the elections as scheduled and whose results would be acceptable to the electorates.

“Jega has introduced a new approach to the responsibility of the electoral body. By accepting the bare-faced fact that the elections should be postponed till Monday, 4th April, he has displayed a unique courage and accepted full responsibility for the shortcomings. That alone is the hallmark of leadership that is responsible, humble, calculated, bold, courageous and responsive to unanticipated challenges.”