By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has called on all Nigerians to remain calm, following the shift in the dates of the general elections.

Abdulsalami, who is Chairman of the National Peace Committee for 2015 General Elections, made the plea in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

He pleaded with Nigerians to take the postponement in good faith and since, according to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, took the decision after due consultations with stakeholders.

He said having taken note of divergent positions of political parties, the committee was appreciative of their matured response and respect to INEC’s decision in the interest of peace.

He also called on the political parties to re-commit themselves to the Abuja Peace Accord and called on INEC to use the period of the extension to distribute more permanent voter’s cards to eligible voters.

He said: “The committee notes in particular that INEC made the decision after due consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, notably state security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations among others.

“Further, the committee urges INEC to take advantage of the postponement to enhance its preparedness for the elections, including the distribution of PVCs to ensure that no eligible voters are disenfranchised.”

“The committee wishes to express its gratitude to the international commu-nity for their commitment to the conduct of transparent and credible elections, in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.”