Nigerian Elections 2019
Feb 16th, 2019 by admin
The Presidential election in Nigeria slated for today has been postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to February 23rd. the General election was earlier scheduled for Saturday, February 16th, 2019.
The INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu,while briefing newsmen at the commission’s headquarters, announced that continuing with the election as earlier scheduled for today, 16th February, 2019, was no longer feasible.
According to him,“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.” He therefore announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections had been moved to February 23, 2019. He also said that the governorship and state assembly elections have also been moved by one week to March 9, 2019.
The news came as a surprise to all Nigerians but according to some sources who wanted to remain anonymous,there were evidences in the early hours of Saturday that the elections would be far from being free and fair.
Anyway for many Nigerians the compulsory stay at home was a welcome development as many families now had the window to bond with their families.
It was particularly a welcome development as the fear of violence and disaster was intense. As such this postponement has probably managed to actually show how unprepared we are as a nation. Nigeria is the leading nation in Africa as such must have its act together when preparing for an election that takes place every four years. As much as we understand, four years is more than enough to prepare for any election.
Another point which i cannot but emphasize is the divine providence at work. There were many churches praying and holding vigils for God to take control. It is therefore an opportunity to roll up our sleeves and get to work and make everyone get out and vote. its not just about bringing a change but creating that change for our sons, daughters and the future of this great nation, Nigeria.
Besides the call to vote is now so important, i could not help but smile when i listened to the US Consul General, Lagos on BBC Africa, John Bray. His simple message in pidgin English to Nigerians was to go out and vote peacefully. The pidgin did gel somehow. And, i must say this by the way he made an effort with his pidgin. So what more can we do but wake up and work together to bring about a working and productive establishment.
Again, truth be told, its not easy to conduct elections, the news of the cancellation broke at 4:00am in the morning showing how much sleeplessness nights the chairman and his officials are having in ensuring that the elections are credible.
So, from my armchair i am not going to criticize but support the chairman and his officials with prayers as they ensure that the elections are free and fair. On a final note, lets not make this election one of personal interest but one of collective interest.
It’s time to do something about our healthcare, educational system, Increasing Poverty, Religious conflicts, examination malpractice, juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, kidnapping, Insecurity and cultism that have all become so prevalent.
The key at this point is one of exceptionalism in all spheres of our society.
The basic question to ask is how do we build a future in the interest of our children? As such how much impact the man you vote for will make on the next generation is a pertinent question. Its time to speak for those boys and girls who are not in school. Its time to speak for that common man or woman on the street without a voice.
It s time to fix it and we can fix it.