Beware Of Detractors, Politicians Tell Jega

Some politicians in the FCT have advised INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega to beware of some staff of the commission who may be engaged in activities to frustrate his genuine plans to conduct credible elections.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, they alleged that some INEC officials were working against the interest of the commission.

The National Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Anayo Arinze, noted that in spite of the unfortunate development which led to the rescheduling of the elections, Jega meant well for the country.

He declared: “INEC is responsive to public opinion and Jega means well for Nigeria. But there are fifth columnists in INEC who want to derail the elections.

“We have told Jega to watch his back, because there are many people in INEC who want him to fail. But we are prepared to support him to achieve his mandate. We are tired of the previous setbacks to the electoral process.”

The Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP) senatorial candidate in the FCT, Malam Hamza Abdul, attributed the current development to Jega’s failure to restructure the commission for effective operation.

He said: “In spite of that failure, however, Jega has demonstrated that he has integrity, even though he has failed to secure a firm hold on the system. He should flush out the bad eggs in INEC.

“Jega cannot build a strong system using some “dubious” staff he inherited in INEC. For him to make progress, he must throw out any staff who is not in tune with the new realities at the commission.”

The Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate in the FCT, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, said: “In spite of all the explanations and excuses by INEC, Nigerians are disappointed, but not dejected.

“I appeal to our people not to allow the postponement to dampen their enthusiasm to elect their representatives. Let’s give INEC and Nigeria a chance to move forward. I am optimistic and urge Nigerians to sustain the tempo and put detractors to shame by coming out to vote.”

The National Chairman of Accord Party (AP), Alhaji Muhammed Nalado, said the postponement was in order, noting that it would give INEC and other stakeholders enough time to correct initial lapses encountered on April 2.

NAN reports that INEC has rescheduled the National Assembly election to April 9 and the presidential election to April 16 as well as the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections to April 26.