IMO VOTERS CALL INEC NOT TO GIVE EXCUSE IN RESCHEDULED ELECTIONS

Reactions have trailed the sudden postponement of Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier scheduled for February 16.

Some Residents of Imo State who spoke with Correspondent Chinazo Ilechukwu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to use the one week window to tidy up arrangements to ensure hitch-free and credible elections.

The news of the rescheduling of the elections by INEC came to many in Imo State as a surprise chiefly due to its timing.

The enthusiastic electorate had returned to their villages where they registered with the hope of casting their votes in the much publicized election.

A Politician, Dr. Vitalis Orikaeze-Ajumbe, wondered why INEC appeared unprepared despite huge resources made available to it by the Federal Government.

He lamented that the postponement would pose financial burden on some politicians who were already overstretched.

“Having being a Party Chairman for long, I know when INEC is prepared you can imagine how much Nigerians are going to lose toady.  I don’t think INEC has done what they are supposed to do, they owe Nigerians an apology,” Ajumba stated.

Another Resident of the State, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, urged INEC to use the seven days extension to perfect plans that would help to see the conduct of free and fair elections.

“Between now and the next Saturday, Nigerians should be able to be given a free fair and credible exercise because there won’t be any room for further excuses,” Onyeukwu insisted.

For a Journalist, Mr. Dan Opara and another concerned resident Mrs. Christiana Okorie, the action of INEC was discouraging considering the anxiety that has greeted the election.

They however appealed to the electorate not to despair but to repeat the same commitment they had exhibited in the days ahead.

“I call on Nigerians not to relent come out again on Saturday like they have said, even if they postponed it seven times we are ready to vote” “Everybody is totally disorganized, Owerri is scanty so many people have gone to their villages for the election let them not cancel it again”.

The Director National Orientation Agency in Imo state Mr. Vitus Ekeocha called on residents of the area to show understanding with INEC noting that the Commission acted in the best interest of the nation.

CHINZO ILECHUKWU