Oshiomhole Urges Nigerian Workers To Reject Further Postponement Of Polls

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Governor of Edo State and former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, has urged Nigerian workers to resist any further shift of the general election date from March 28.

Addressing thousands of workers at the 11th delegate conference in Abuja, Mr Oshiomhole said the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) has no right to dictate when elections would hold in the country, adding that six-weeks delay would not effect the desired change in the nations’ development.

The conference which tilted towards a political rally had in attendance presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Minister of Special Duties amongst others.

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria (INEC) had announced a shift in the general elections dates to March 28 and April 11.

The new schedule was announced on Saturday by the Chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, after meetings with political stakeholders.

Professor Jega said that the Presidential Election would hold on March 28 while the Governorship election would hold on April 11.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Professor Jega and other top officials of the INEC, Professor Jega said that the commission’s decision was not influenced by any group or individuals.

“We have done wide reaching consultations to enable us have as much input as necessary before taking an informed decision.

“In the series of consultations that we had with stakeholders, the questions constantly posed to them for consideration are; in view of the latest developments, should INEC proceed with the conduct of the general elections as scheduled in spite of the strong advice and if so, what alternative security arrangements are available to be put in place.

“The second is; should INEC take the advice of the security chiefs and adjust the schedules of the general elections within the framework of the constitutional provisions,” Professor Jega said.

‘Concerned About Security’

According to him, the commission decided to take the advice of the security chiefs and adjust the dates of the elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“We have done this, relying on section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act, as amended.

“Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct an election as a result of natural disaster or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area or areas concerned appoint another day for the holding of the postponed election provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.”

The chairman of the INEC pointed out that for the fact the commission was not a security agency that could guarantee protection of personnel, voters during elections and observers, the commission could not likely wave-off the advice by the nation’s security chiefs.

“The commission is concerned about the security of our ad-hoc staff, the young men and women of the NYSC and students of the tertiary education who constitute at least 600,000 young men and women that we will use in the election,” he said.