As the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections, the presidency has urged the elites to avoid putting the security of the country at risk.
The presidency spoke through the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe.
This charge was contained in a statement published through his Facebook page.
“The problem with our elites is that we find it extremely difficult to suppress our partisan desires and interests in situations that demand intense nationalism. The truth of the matter is that for perhaps genuine reasons or administrative encumbrances INEC has not been able to perfect arrangements for these elections.”
“Fearing what the public outcry may follow such disclosure INEC prefers to present a public picture of readiness.”
“We have seen this before. INEC gave all assurance that they were ready to go in 2011 only to stop the elections on the Election Day itself. It did not cause mayhem simply because it was national assembly election and results are more felt at local levels. If it was a presidential election the country would have been thrown into confusion and the entire electoral process thrown into jeopardy.”
“In the recent Anambra governorship elections INEC beat its chest before the elections and repeatedly announced electronically convinced Nigerians of their total preparedness.”
“The real election was a fiasco and a near disaster. But recriminations were contained because the effect of that election was limited to one state only. Secondly the immediate loser was the President’s party which for obvious reason will not let all hell lose for obvious reasons.”
“Today Lagos state is still expecting 12000 card reading machines. Many other states are in shortage by more figures. Several millions of newly registered voters will not receive there PVCs by 14th dec. It is doubtful if all the customised ballot papers are in INEC’s custody now since the date of candidate’s substitution closed less than 2weeks ago.”
“Of the 960000 ad hoc staff INEC needs only about 360000 have been recruited In cross river state Gov Imoke said only 400 of such staff are on ground out of several thousands.”
“Almost two thirds still needs to be recruited nationwide. They must also be trained on card readers that are yet to be tested for efficacy. INEC says for time constraints they were only able to do one pilot study in Abuja only. Failure rate at the single trial was as high as 12%. If more tests were done it could be higher. Perhaps this was why prof Jega concluded by saying that “although our state of preparedness may not be 100% or perfect, and although a bit more time of additional preparation would enable us improve and perfect the current level of preparedness. .”
“The point therefore is should any Nigerian be disenfranchised on the account of self-imposed unavailability of adequate preparation time for INEC. Yes it is not compulsory that all must vote.”
“But all must ab initio be given equal opportunities to take that decision. By INECs submission over 5m voters will NOT vote on the 14th because INEC cannot make available their PVCs.”
“No party or candidate will benefit or be disadvantaged by a shift of dates.”
“It is not enough for us to say we are ready for the elections if our level of preparations are such that will lead to inconclusive elections or will give grounds to the loser to raise issues that may lead to injustice or unfairness or that may out rightly discredit the entire process.
Let’s think of Nigeria not our ambitions alone.”
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