By Sadiq Umar – The Centre for Public Accountability has hailed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend the Rivers State re-run elections planned to hold next Saturday, describing it as “timely.”
The group said INEC responded to its call to call off the re-run elections of Rivers State on the premise of pocket of crisis recorded few days when the electoral body announced a new date for the re- run election.
“This shows that we now have a responsible umpire that is concerned with security of lives and properties of the people. It is expected that the action of the INEC boss sends a message of caution to our political class who promote election as a do or die affair,” the Group said in a statement in Abuja, Wednesday.
According to the statement signed by its director of media and publicity, Peter Abah, “the postponement will no doubt make the political gladiators to address their followers against perpetuating partisan sponsored or self-motivated violence during elections.
“Given the situation, we can confidently say that era of ‘inconclusive’ elections is over as the active political class will henceforth be guided against violent acts before, during and after elections. It is also hoped that subsequently, citizens’ votes will count as the EMB has moved to show its commitment to ensuring that voters are protected. Above all, electoral officers are insulated from attacks of ‘thugs’ hired by members of the ruling class.
“It therefore becomes expedient that the political class readjust their mode of operations to ensure that our votes count and take measures to curb excessive tendencies of their stalwarts. This will make it easy for INEC to function effectively for Nigeria’s electoral process,” it added.
