The Global Network for Good Governance (GNGG) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to plead with Federal Government to declare a two day public holiday to allow workers travel to their respective local government for the collection of their PVC.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Director General of the group, Adm. Mfon Ekpeyong by the Deputy Director General in charge of North Central Nigeria, Pastor Stanley Ajileye, the he group which commended the electoral umpire for extending the closing date for the collection of PVC, said the major reason why so much PVCs were yet to be collected may not be unconnected with the fact that majority of Nigerian registered in their country homes which may be a great distance from where they work or reside.
According to him, such people may not be able to leave their place of work until a day to the election.
The group therefore pleaded with INEC, that, if the Federal government cannot declare Thursday 14, and Friday 15 of February as public holiday to allow people travel to their local government for collection of their PVC and wait to vote.
“INEC should magnanimously entrust traditional rulers in the various community, with the responsibility of transmitting the cards to their citizens on the presentation of their temporary cards or transfer slips which will be used to render account to INEC,” he said.
The group also admonished the Prof. Yakubu to do his best at ensuring a level play ground in the forth coming political exercise in the country.
According to the statement, Prof. Yakubu, is a man who, over the years has built for himself a good name in learning and in character, who at this time, need to guide his integrity jealously so as not to allow any political player, soil his good reputation being a highly respected professor.
The group emphasised the need for the professor of Political Science to borrow a leaf from his predecessor Prof. Atahiru Jega, who was not only transparent but who equally ensured that the umpire INEC under his watch was seen by all to be transparent.
GNGG hints that, whether the good name and reputation of Prof. Yakubu will remain intact or not after this election, will largely depend on what INEC will do or will refuse to do during the election.
