Defend democracy, say Abdulsalami, Kukah | Nairalaw

The National Peace Committee has bemoaned the postponement of
the presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent
National Electoral Commission a few hours to the polls.

The group called on Nigerians not to despair, but defend the
nation’s democracy.

In a statement entitled: “Nigerians: Rise up and obey the
nation’s call”, issued on Tuesday by its Chairman, Gen Abdusalami
Abubakar, and Convener, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the group expressed
its disappointment with the development with postponement of the
polls.

The statement said although the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood
Yakubu, had already addressed the nation and the leaders of the
parties, “very little has happened to assuage the deep feeling of
embarrassment, pain, and disappointment across the land”.

The statement said, “The impact of this decision has permeated
every stratum of our lives and has the potential to dampen the
confidence of our people in the political process. It has further
deepened anxieties within the international community about our
country.

“There is enough blame to pass around. The real challenge now is
for us as a nation to reach out to the deepest instincts of faith
in God and our country. We must put everything aside and see this
as a battle that all of us must win. The challenge is not who to
sacrifice, but what sacrifice to make.”

The committee appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and show
understanding.

It said, “We understand your right to feel betrayed and
humiliated by INEC. “However, we appeal to you all to see this as a
watershed in the life of our fledgling democracy.

“The only way we can ensure a steady democracy is for us to
learn the lessons from these sad developments.

“Therefore, we appeal to you not to count the cost of the
setback, but respond to the call to patriotism. Do not relent, go
out and fulfil your duty to your family and country on Election
Day. We will soon turn the corner in hope. Rather than despair,
rise up to defend our democracy.”

The committee urged INEC to focus on the task ahead.