In view of the upcoming 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday gave the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, an ultimatum to ensure that all registered Nigerians get their Permanent Voter Cards before the general elections in Februa
According to reports on Punch, the president gave the directive after swearing in the INEC national commissioner representing Oyo State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Goodluck Jonathan noted that some Nigerians are getting worried whether the commission can conduct credible elections. Adding that the nation could not afford to organise a general election where some people would be disenfranchised.
“INEC must do everything possible to make sure that all Nigerians have their voter cards because we cannot afford a situation where some Nigerians will not vote that day.”
People must decide who rules them at all levels; not just about presidential elections, even at the lowest level of elections conducted by INEC – the state assembly elections, House of Representatives, Senate and Presidency, all Nigerians must vote.
He added that some state governors and many other Nigerians are complaining that they have yet to get their PVCs. Jonathan nevertheless commended his administration for sanitising the electoral process.
He said: “Before 2011, how many Nigerians complained about not having voters card? Because elections were not conducted with voters cards, nobody cared.
‘’Today, ordinary Nigerians, biggest business men, religious leaders are complaining that they want their voter cards, nobody talked about that before 2011.
‘’But some people came on board and sanitised electoral process but others want to take the glory. We have to commend ourselves.’’
It would be recalled that some prominent Nigerians have called for the postponement of the 2015 general elections, citing the current insecurity in the northern part of the country and their perceived lack of readiness of INEC for the polls.
