- The conversation regarding the postponement of the 2019 general elections is still ongoing
- Catholic Action Nigeria has reacted to the polls shift by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- The group called on the INEC chairman to put the electoral body in order or resign if he can't accomplish the task
The Catholic Action Nigeria has reacted to the postponement of the 2019 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group, in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, February 17 by its governor, board of trustees, Peter Agbontaen, said it received the news with “shock and bewilderment,” adding that the news made them, “sad and disappointed.”
The group called on the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to put the electoral body in order or resign if he can't accomplish the task.
READ ALSO: US reacts to postponement of Nigeria’s election
Part of the statement read: “INEC had four whole years to plan for this election. No matter the excuses being bandied now, the postponement makes us doubt the readiness, sincerity and capacity of INEC to give Nigerians a free and fair and credible election they truly deserve, even in the coming week.
“We join in the pains and frustrations of patriotic Nigerians who travelled to their various polling units to vote, especially Nigerians in the diaspora who came back home solely for this purpose to cast their votes. It is worthy to state for the records that Nigerians went through these painstaking and expensive travels, now futile because of the inability of INEC to put it's house in order.
“That being said we cannot give up on our dream for a better Nigeria and peaceful elections, we therefore hope that INEC will make good use of this one week postponement to put its house in order.
“If the INEC chairman in his heart knows this will be a task he cannot accomplish within the extra time he has got for himself, he should simply resign, as it will not be fair on Nigerians if anything goes wrong again or another postponement is contemplated.
“It is also of paramount importance that the elections are not staggered but are conducted simultaneously in all states and the FCT.”
The group, however, encouraged Nigerians to come out enmasse come during the dates for the rescheduled election, “to vote in a government that will put Nigeria and Nigerians first and uphold the values and dignity of human life as espoused through the social teachings of the Catholic Church.”
The Catholic group also canvassed for electronic voting to be properly and fully introduced in the 2023 general elections.
Catholic Action Nigeria is part of the global movement in the Catholic Church known as CATHOLIC ACTION.
READ ALSO: Election 2019: Governor Yari responsible for polls postponement - Senator Marafa
Meanwhile, two international election observers, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI), have thrown their weight behind INEC’s postponement of the 2019 general elections.
The observers in a joint statement sent to journalists on Monday, February 18 by Tony Awesu, head of media of NDI, said INEC's decision will ensure credible polls.
According to Awesu, NDI/IRI fully endorsed the postponement of the 2019 elections in Nigeria and will continue to support Nigeria’s democratic development.
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#Election2019: International, local observers comment on poll's shift | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
