INEC is a disappointment – Situation Room

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern
over reports of delay in the distribution of election materials in
several parts of the country by the Independent National Electoral
Commission for the 2019 Nigeria General Elections.

It regretted that the reports reaching it indicated inadequacy
in the deployment of materials for the polls.

Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and
Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo,
stated these in a statement in Abuja in the early hours of
Saturday.

He said, “Against the background of assurances given by INEC on
its preparedness, this current situation comes to us as a
disappointment.

“Situation Room calls on INEC to be upfront, truthful and
transparent with the Nigerian people with respect to the challenges
they are facing that may affect the polls.

“The Situation Room wishes to state categorically that any
assessment or decision by INEC regarding the polls or challenges
with materials must be made with respect to the whole country and
not in any way focused on some parts of the country.

“Any suggestion that the election be held in a staggered manner
will be totally unacceptable and would be a recipe for a disastrous
election. INEC owes it to Nigerians to provide clear explanation on
why we are having conversations about deployment of materials in
this late hour.

“The credibility of election depends not just on the efficiency
of INEC to manage its processes but also in its ability to
communicate honestly with the stakeholders.

“We call on all stakeholders especially the political parties to
approach any challenge this process throws up with patriotism and
commitment to peaceful and legal resolution of conflicts.”