The National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd), has appealed to the Federal Government not to interfere with the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2019 general election period.
According to him, any attempt to influence INEC and hamper its role as an unbiased umpire could spell doom for the nation.
Nkanga made this known in an interview published by Sunday Sun.
Speaking about his fears for the 2019 general election, the PANDEF leader said:
Ordinarily, there should be no need for fear and anxiety if all the stakeholders involved in 2019 project play the roles expected of them perfectly. Why should we harbour any fear if politicians play the game according to the rules. Why should we harbour any fear if INEC plays the role of a genuine umpire. It is only when there is a violation that you get reaction. For instance, if the election is not free and fair, do you think everybody will keep quiet? But one thing I know is this, Nigerians are now more mature, people won’t take laws into their own hands to protest injustice if they don’t feel aggrieved, and there is no way there won’t be reactions if the election is not free and fair. In view of this, I’m appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government to ensure that INEC plays true role of an umpire expected of it.
No attempt should be made to coerce or manipulate INEC to favour the ruling party. Federal government should leave INEC alone, and also let the will of the people prevail. It is when there is manipulation and rigging that people resort to violence. Politicians should not be desperate for political power. President Buhari should learn a lesson from former President Goodluck Jonathan who said on the eve of 2015 general elections that the blood of no Nigerian is worth shedding because of political power.
Why the desperation? Any politician who doesn’t have an ulterior motive but truly wants to serve the people will not take election as a do-or-die affair. For 2019 elections to be successful, INEC must be truly independent. There must be no body language to suggest that the federal government wants INEC to compromise. Security agencies including the police and operatives of the DSS and the Army must also be neutral. Those of them that will be drafted for election duties must be impartial. The whole world is watching us as 2019 is fast approaching, we can’t afford to let the world down. INEC must be very firm and also neutral. A lot depends on INEC. INEC through its conduct may make or mar 2019 elections.
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