As NOA appeals to Nigerians over postponement

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

ABUJA – Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Alhaji Idi Farouk, has appealed to Nigerians not to feel discouraged over the postponement of  April general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, even as the commission has assured the nation of its readiness to conduct credible elections in spite of balloting in some states before the postponement of the National Assembly election on April 2.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Director General, Mr. Fidel Agu, said Nigerians should continue to demonstrate patience and understanding.

According to the statement, “NOA wishes to commend Nigerians for their unprecedented enthusiasm, patriotism, patience and the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves while waiting for accreditation. We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians not to be discouraged but to continue to demonstrate this uncommon patience, interest and understanding and still come out enmasse to vote for candidates of their choice in the remaining elections.”

He assured Nigerians that the postponement was to ensure that Nigerians had a free and fair election.
According to him, “the NOA wishes to assure Nigerians that the decision by INEC to postpone the elections, though painful and disappointing, was done in good faith and to ensure the integrity and quality of the electoral process.

“There is no doubt that in spite of this development, INEC  remains resolute in its commitment and determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections that will be the pride of all Nigerians and satisfy the yearnings and expectations of the international community.”

He recalled that Nigerians were happy when Prof. Jega was appointed chairman of INEC, and urged them to give him a chance and continue to support INEC.

Meanwhile, INEC yesterday assured the nation of its readiness to conduct credible elections, in spite of balloting in some states before the postponement of the National Assembly election on April 2.

Mr Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, told newsmen that the elections were inconclusive in states where voting had already commenced before the postponement.

“The process was not concluded because there were no result sheets. That people cast their votes without a proper documentation does not make it an election,” he said.