Governor expresses worries over election postponement

Governor expresses worries over election postponement
Hauwa Noroh Ali, Jigawa

The Governor of Jigawa State in Northern Nigeria, Sule Lamido, has expressed worries over the postponement of the 2011 General elections saying that it will affect Nigeria’s image internationally, as most African Countries look up to Nigeria.

Governor Sule Lamido said this in Dutse, Jigawa State’s capital, while reacting to the postponement.

INEC’s sovereignty

Sule Lamido, one time Minister of foreign affairs said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may be independent in its domestic environment but it is not sovereign.

“INEC is not sovereign and therefore should take into account the totality of the Nigerian image as a nation in carrying out its duties,” he said.

He said that although there was sincerity in the statement made by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, the postponement was disappointing, as the Commission had given Nigerians and the international community the assurance of its full readiness for the election.

Patriotism  

In the Governor’s words, “Nigerians can not sabotage Nigeria noting that if that is done who do they sabotage for? We are saying we want free, fair and credible elections therefore we must go by the changes most especially the rules and regulations guiding them”.

He expressed confidence in INEC and called on all Nigerians to support the commission to ensure that the electoral process work.

Providing security

Sule Lamido urged all Nigerians to join hands in providing security for each other during the election, noting that “no matter how many policemen or guns you bring, it is the people who will sustain security”.  

He stressed the importance of supporting the systems and exporting Nigeria’s success.   

Jigawa State has about one point nine registered voters  and nine candidates for Gubernatorial elections 48 candidates for house of representatives 14 candidates for the senatorial elections

Election Schedule

The National Assembly elections will now hold on April 9; Presidential election on April 16, while the state Houses of Assembly and governorship elections, will take place on April 26.

Williams