The
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) on Monday, restated its
commitment to conducting a free and fair election, saying there is no going
back on the
use of permanent voter cards(PVCs) and the Card Readers in
the forthcoming general election.
This
assurance was given by the commissions National Commissioner representing Ondo,
Osun and Lagos states Professor Akinola Salawu in Akure, during evaluation
visit to Ondo State.
It
will be recalled that some political parties led by the ruling Peoples
Democratic Party(PDP) had called on the electoral umpire to substitute the use
of PVCs for Temporary Voters Cards because of noticeable lapses and
inadequate preparation by INEC.
However,
Salawu said the commission would go ahead with the use of the card readers
during the coming elections so as to give it value.
“The
use of the card readers will add value to our electoral process and assist us
to have free fair and credible election in this country.
“
We have tested the card readers and we have seen that it works perfectly.
“I
am pleased to let Nigerians know that we are ready for the election. Our
preparation is not 100 per cent but it’s enough for a free, fair and credible
elections,” he said.
Salawu,
however, denied that the Commission was hoodwinked by any political party to
postpone the election, noting that the Commission is an impartial umpire with
officials that are above board.
He
noted that the reason for the postponement was adduced by the national chairman
of the commision, Profession Attahiru Jega, saying “Security reason was the
main reason for the postponement of the election. Anybody saying anything
contrary is wrong about the matter.
“We
were ready before the election was postponed. But when the issue of
security came in the commission had no choice than to shift the election to
ensure free and fair elections.”
No going back on PVCs, card readers for elections —INEC
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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