NIGERIANS REACT TO INEC DECISION ON NATIONAL ELECTION

Nigerians across the country are reacting to INEC decision made few hours to the national election.

Early this morning, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) briefed the nation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15, February 2019, and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, 16 February 2019, and Saturday 2 March 2019.”

“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and also 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.”

“Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23 February 2019.”

“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9 March, 2019.”

This briefing was filmed at 2:44am (Saturday February 16th, 2019).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_YP1wPXohE

REACTION FROM BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Okoroma Bob, M.D of Call Bob Enterprises, a vehicle leasing company in Nigeria providing the elections with logistics support confirms the news. In a telephone conversation, He praised the INEC chairman for the courage in making such decision. Commenting further, He stated;

“This decision implies that Government is spending more than is expected on the election. My company leased pickup trucks and buses to campaign offices, military outfits and other bodies meant to monitor the elections. This news implies that the Nigerian government will pay twice for our logistics support in the Presidential election. Therefore, this decision to cancel the election will cost the nation dearly. It is therefore, not sustainable for our economy. Nigeria is currently servicing huge debts, and needs to cut expenses while increasing its sources of revenue.”

REACTION FROM INEC OFFICIAL

Victor Gimba a National Youth Service Corper also drafted as an Ad-hoc staff, lamented on the effect this will have on the moral of Nigerians. “There are so many people who travelled to their home town just to vote in the elections. They will have to consider the cost of their transportation, especially in this our economic hardship. Most people who can’t afford to pay twice for their transport will most likely forgo the need to vote. Some will remain in their home town until next week. This is a total mess, really”

PUBLIC REACTIONS

Thanks bro
Now safe trip back to our houses as my country #NigeriaDesides2019 be the first country ever to used 2 years to Prepare for election and postponed election till the following weekend

— SirUnbeaten (@IamOluwasanjor) February 16, 2019

I'm sure the numbers of voters will drastically reduce. This is INEC's doings and it's terrible in our sight. #NigeriaDesides2019

— Femi Derricks (@Femi_Derricks) February 16, 2019

The real losers in @inecnigeria’s postponement of elections aren’t political parties or their candidates. The real losers are Nigerians and Nigeria. Corporate and personal investments have been wasted alongside irrecoverable precious time! #NigeriaDesides2019

— Charles (@drcharlesbassey) February 16, 2019

#NigeriaDesides2019
So after travelling and running upadan
Inec postpone election pic.twitter.com/rvBf1Niscb

— ollor victor (@OllorVictor) February 16, 2019

This Country Nigeria! When will everything ever go right? If they like shift it to Pluto or Mars…we will be ready to exercise our civic rights come #Febuary23 God bless Nigeria.🙏 #Elections2019 #NigeriaDesides2019 pic.twitter.com/4xStSllCTS

— Sunnyvale (@sunnyvale666222) February 16, 2019

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