By Inalegwu Shaibu
ABUJA—DEPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said the Senate was committed to May 29 handover date, saying:“We will not allow anything that will alter the May 29, handover date.”

Ekweremadu who spoke while hosting a delegation from the National Democratic Institute, NDI, on assessment tour of the country to ascertain the level of preparedness for the 2011 general elections said the Senate will fast track the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to ensure success of the 2011 elections.

He said: “We want to assure Nigerians and the international community that we are committed to ensuring credible elections in 2011.”

Ekweremadu said the Senate had kick started the second alteration to the Constitution and the 2010 Electoral Act to extend time line for the elections as requested by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

Leader of the delegation and former President of Botswana, Mr. Quett Ketumile Masire, reiterated the need for voters’ education, saying it would ensure adequate participation of Nigerians in the elections.
Masire who said the delegation was in Nigeria to render assistance on probable challenges of election process also noted that a good voters education enhances free, fair and credible election in 2011.