The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has set aside Monday, 18 February to protest the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Okay Nigeria had on Saturday, February 16, postponed scheduled general elections by a week for logistics reasons.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, disclosed the decision to newsmen during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters.
“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and 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.”
However, Mr. Azeez Adeyemi, Spokesman of NANS, disclosed the plan to protest in Abeokuta on Saturday.
He said, the students would organise nationwide protests on Monday against the INEC’s decision.
“The sovereignty of Nigeria should not be toyed with by any leader. Our forefathers fought for this; the unity of the nation should not be frustrated.
“NANS declares Monday 18th of February, 2019 as a day of nationwide protest by Nigerian students .
“We hereby state categorically that no attempt by security agencies to distrupt this protest will survive.”
NANS, however, called on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to tender his letter of resignation over the development.
The students’ body said “Our position is that INEC chairman should resign and President Muhammadu Buhari should strengthen Nigeria’s security”.
The body accused President Buhari of not living up to the expectations of Nigerians.
Adeyemi added that the postponement would not have been made possible without the knowledge of the President.
“For over three months now, even, till yesterday (Friday), INEC has been assuring Nigerians that the commission is fully ready, why now calling off the election on the day of the election.
“NANS still holds the view and sure of the fact that this postponement is not the complete decision of the INEC chairman, but, by some cabals at the Presidency.”
