By VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

KADUNA- WORKERS in the nation’s textile industry, weekend urged the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, not  to stretch the patience of Nigerians to a limit.

Under the aegis of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, the workers said the reason given by  INEC for the postponement of National Assembly’s election on Saturday, was unacceptable.

In a statement by its General Secretary, Comrade Isa Aremu, the union called  on INEC’s Chairman, Profesor Attahiru Jega to sit up and confront the challenges of conducting credible election in the country

According to the statement: “As a critical supporter of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, it is time we added our voice to the growing demand that INEC improves on its poor service delivery. 

“The reasons given by INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega for postponement of Saturday’s National Assembly election were simply unacceptable even if they were understandable.  Why would INEC belatedly discover delay in delivery of some election materials by some vendors?  Why should it take INEC mid-day of the first election day when voters were already mobilised to realise that election materials were not ready?

 People travelled to their various localities, offices, schools and shops closed down nation-wide to

cast votes that never took place.  Women and youths turned out in large numbers. No apology from INEC can compensate for this enormous sacrifice.  It is INEC officials that must wait for voters not the other way round.

 “The costs of this singular election are getting too high for our democracy. INEC should not stretch the patience of Nigerians to a limit.  INEC’s service of non-delivery should not take us to this avoidable road because voters’ enthusiasm may lead to voters’ apathy and voters’ protest if care is not taken.” We call on INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to sit up and confront the challenges of conducting credible election in the country.