INEC Decision; A Show of A Faulty System -By Elijah Akoji

For many of the football lovers we know how sensitive the 90minute is in the pitch for both the players, coach, supporters and all hands involved in making the match a success, also we know how sensitive it is to make some decision at that point in time because such a decision could either lead to victory or been defeated as a result of this fear decision at this point is critical to make.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) two days ago issued out a statement to pressmen as published by this day, that no matter what happens the commission won’t compromise in shifting the already scheduled election. Decisions are not just made, it is either such decision is made out of necessity or otherwise,.

Watching the announcement been made surprised me and left me in skeptical feelings and businesses is country, the 90th-minute decision made in the final seconds, what a wrongful decision by the commission. In 2015 such involved was made but it gave people a prior preparatory notice which didn’t in no way crippled any business activities or affect the economy in any way, this single act is a global scandal that has destroyed our integrity and made us lose faith in the process

Also, making such a decision at this close door point endangers the process, I was at the airport yesterday to clear some materials meant for the domestic observation I saw election materials which are not suppose to be made public are already sent to the various point, even the observes kits are not suppose to be seen until the election day to avoid fake observers flooding the polling unit, all this have been made open to the general public, how could such integrity be restored, not to talk of how different observers both domestic and international have left their different locations, lodged in hotels transport to different roots only to get this sad news.

The commission had four years to prepare, of what relevant or significant is a week at this point, I sense the invisible forces prowling round the commission to ensure their game is well achieved as planned. Busineworst. ‘t have been forced to change their plans as well as the different event scheduled for next week to be changed because of the fault in the commission.

This to me is a global scandal that is gradually crippling into our political and electoral system and must be frown and rejected. The failure of the commission to prepare well is not only costing the commission extra cost but the entire bodies involve in this process.

Nigerians deserve more than this system is so faulty that we need an intervention and a new plan on the way forward. INEC decision must be frown at and. criticized, for holding the nation on a standstill, breaking such a news at that time has so much implication, most rural communities should already be at their polling unit because the information won’t get to them as fast as it has gotten to us. I call this a betrayal of trust and must be treated as a criminal intention and act by the commission.

Some of the implication won’t be felt now until when the whole process is concluded when the real reaction will be felt, accusations of leaked ballot papers and sensitive electoral materials and so on and so forth. To me some professors are just title holders, I know how challenging being in such a critical position could be, forces, threats from different angles, but the basis upon which this election is been postponed is not genuine and can not be classified as a professional way of discharging such duty in such a sensitive position. Many will try to justify this scandalous act, but I urge that we review the implication of this singular act and the situation of the country at this point. We believe as a nation that it can only get better but unfortunately, it is becoming worst. No democracy grow without a well trusted electoral body.

This is a national disgrace, sabotage and scandal that will take years to forget.

As a nation We have prayed, we have fasted, we have dialogue no what is the way forward?