Sagay: What We Expect At The Polls

Ahead of tomorrow’s election, constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay has expressed apprehension over the polls as a result of the desperation by politicians to win at all costs. He hopes that the situation will be brought under control.

Speaking to P.M.NEWS this morning on insecurity in the country, Sagay said he was very much apprehensive because of the prevalence of desperate politicians in the polity, especially since the possibility of rigging had been reduced.

“Look at Akwa Ibom State where one party wants to be in existence and wants its rival incarcerated. Some States such as Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Nasarawa, Oyo and others have been dubbed flashpoints.

“We hope these desperate ones do not disrupt the election when they feel that things are not going their own way. However, there is enthusiasm everywhere and Nigerians are willing to vote. The voters are not desperate but the politicians.

“Those who earn N12 million per month and control lots of votes don’t want to leave. We hope the situation can be controlled,” Sagay stated.

Also speaking, human rights lawyer, Bamidele Aturu said he was not apprehensive about tomorrow’s polls because Nigerians were resolved that their votes would surely count.

“We need to be vigilant because this will ensure that elections were not rigged. Nigerians should vote and remain in the place. This is why I faulted the National Security Adviser who said people should vote and leave the place. This will promote rigging,” he said.

On the comment by Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, that Nigerians should not come to the polling units with their phones, Aturu faulted this, saying this was unconstitutional and not spelt out in the electoral laws.

“It is unconstitutional to say people should not come to the polling unit with their GSM. The only thing they cannot come with is gun. Any attempt to stop this will be unconstitutional,” he said.

Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo said: “We have not learnt our lessons yet in terms of attitude and disposition to election. In terms of orientation ad re-orientation, we have not learnt our lessons.

“Desperation among politicians has risen since 1999. This is because there is nothing going on outside government. There is so much desperation. The only way to have free and fair election is whether we have a willing and renewed INEC and whether security agents will have learnt their lessons or it will be worse than 2007.”

Also, Mr. Tobi Onabanjo, an accountant said he was eagerly looking towards tomorrow’s election because “it is an opportunity we have to effect a change that we have been clamouring for.

“Besides, it is one of my rights to choose the leader that I want. I am going to vote in tomorrow’s election and I equally call on everyone that registered to come out and vote.”

—Kazeem Ugbodaga, Simon Ateba & Paul Sanusi