Mr Idris Miliki, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), on Monday called on Nigerians to take the 2019 general elections postponement as a sacrifice for national development.
Miliki told NAN in Lokoja on Monday that no matter the level of disappointments expressed by Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted in the national interest.
“In as much as we are worried and disappointed.
“The issue is that the electoral body saw the dire need to postpone the elections and acted within the confines of the law and did not commit any crime in doing so.
“INEC has also not violated the rules because Section 26(1) of the Electoral Law states clearly, the conditions under which elections can be shifted and the provision was fully complied with.
“The fact is that even if we had had the election on Saturday and there was no clear winner, we would still have re-run election.
“So, take it or leave it, INEC acted within the frame of law,’’ he said.
Miliki, however, cautioned political parties to proffer solutions to institutional challenges, rather than engage in making provocative statements and heating up the polity.
Mr Williams Aliwo, former chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lokoja branch, said also, Nigerians should learn to trust its institutions.
Aliwo said that though the postponement was actually unfortunate especially in its timing, Nigerians should embrace the stark reality of the time.
He said that INEC acted within the ambit of law to do what it deemed best for the country in the circumstance.
“It was better to have the election postponed than to have a sham of an election. I am sure INEC will put its house in order in preparation for the Feb. 23
“We should learn to trust our institutions even for once. INEC want successful elections, its chairman wants to succeed and will do everything to succeed. We should not allow politicians to blackmail the institution,’’ Aliwo said.
(NAN)
