A civil rights organization National Democratic Front (NDF) has hailed INEC’s to postpone the general elections, describing it as a patriotic decision in the interest of the nation that must be commended.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja the Coordinator of the Front Comrade Philip Agbese said Jega’s decision has cleared the air on some of the allegations that he has been procured to do the bidding of a particular ethnic group and certain political actors.
According to him it has shown his interest in respecting the rights of about 22 million other persons who have a right to vote and be voted for at the polls. He further commended what he termed the remarkable improvement in inclusive democratic ethos like harkening to the voice of the majority of political parties who overwhelmingly for the postponement.
The group acknowledged the commission’s respect for human lives going by the concerns raised by the security chiefs.
“… Jega has proven to the world that he is a man with conscience. He has shown uncommon love for popular views and his concern for the lives and property of the common Nigerian. He was appointed not just to conduct elections but also protect national interest this he has exhibited. It is commendable and should be exemplified by all public office holders”. He said.
They further appealed that INEC and the security chiefs should see this as a window to address the basic challenges confronting the commission and to conduct a free transparent and credible elections and not give in to the antics of selfish politicians that are out to make a political capital out of the postponement.
Agbese advising that the postponement should not be seen by Nigerians as a setback rather they should see it as a unique opportunity to make a mark in our democratic journey as true giants of Africa they warned that some characters from outside the country who earlier predicted our disintegration by 2015 were already jubilating that their prediction had come true when the heat was on Jega to do the needful but the announcement which has brought about calm unity of purpose and renewed hope in the Nigeria project has rather proven our critics wrong that nothing can ever truncate our hard earned democracy again as all Nigerians are united to achieve a peaceful transition from one democratic regime to another.
Also commending Nigerians for supporting the commission’s decision, he said those who had planned to foment trouble due to the postponement, have been put to shame as the Nigerian people have shown their desire to preserve democracy.
“It Will only be proper to commend Nigerians for the support they have given Jega and his team and their desire to defend this hard earned democracy. Nay sayers had planned to cause havoc and mayhem prior to the announcement but Nigerians have proved them wrong as they wholly have supported this decision”. They said.
