Service chiefs arm-twist INEC to shift polls – Civil Society Organisations

A coalition of over 18 Civil Society Organisations on Monday in Abuja called for the immediate resignation of service chiefs "for arm twisting the Independent National Electoral Commission" and abdication of national responsibility.

The CSOs however passed a vote of confidence in the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

According to them, the call followed the alleged grand conspiracy by the security chiefs to arm twist the commission, using the excuse of insecurity to shift the February general elections.

They also alleged that the action of the security chiefs to satisfy narrow political consideration was a clear indication of the abyss to which the military had descended.

The Chairman of Transitional Monitoring Group, Mr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who spoke on behalf of the CSOs at a press briefing, said the military which was supposed to be on the side of Nigerians were joining forces with the government to subvert democracy.

He said, "The most worrisome reality is that the Nigerian military, which is supposed to be nationalistic and patriotic in outlook, has allowed itself to be led by those they serve for express narrow interests.

"To say the least, the military has failed the Nigerian people. It is a betrayal of trust for the military in connivance with the National Security Adviser to have allowed itself to be used to suspend Nigeria's electoral process.

"The grand conspiracy to arm twist INEC to shift the 2015 general elections to satisfy narrow political considerations is a clear indication of the abyss to which the military has descended.

"The claim that they will not be able to protect INEC personnel and materials for the polls that were to hold on 14 and 28 February 2015, is a national disgrace and embarrassment."

_______________________________________________
Recommended Stories:

........Hot Breaking Gist: Exclusive: Nigerians should Be Ready, Elections Will Now Hold in June http://bit.ly/1vAogvP

........Election Shift Aftermath: Jonathan's Campaign Billboard Set Ablaze http://bit.ly/1zzK3mM

........Full Text of INEC Chairman Jega's Statement on Election Postponement [Read] http://bit.ly/16WTjqE

........2015 Elections: Why APC And Tinubu May Lose Lagos State (Part 1) By Ola' Idowu http://bit.ly/1zwr2BS

........Nigeria Postponing Feb. 14 Elections So Multinational Force Can Secure Boko Haram Areas - AP http://bit.ly/1Fj4x47

----------------------------------
SOURCE: The Punch
----------------------------------

like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/nigerianewsbeat
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nigerianewsbeat