The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Imo State People’s Democratic Party, Governorship Candidate Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha has described the postponement of the 2015 general elections as a welcome development and in the best interest of Nigeria.
A statement signed by his Media Assistant, Chibuike Onyeukwu said, the Deputy Speaker made this known on Sunday, while addressing the congregation during a church service held at the Cathedral of Transfiguration Anglican Church, Owerri, Imo State.
He said, ‘the postponement will reduce tension in the nation and indeed enable the Independent National Electoral Commission to provide Permanent Voters Cards PVCs to Imo State electorates and other Nigerians who would have been disenfranchised if the elections hold as earlier scheduled. The challenges encountered by INEC are local. For instance, i am aware that some LGAs in Imo State, including Owerri North have staged protests over the issue of PVCs and same apply to other areas in Nigeria.’
While exonerating President Goodluck Jonathan of any blame on the postponement, he posited that, ‘it’s not the fault of President Goodluck Jonathan because INEC is independent and he does not interfere in their operations. I am sure funding is not the problem because we (National Assembly) approved their funds which the Executive released. I am aware that before this decision, high level consultations were held and majority of the parties and relevant stakeholders agreed to the postponement.
Continuing he said ‘The issue of security and various complaints and agitations by over 2.4million Nigerians who are yet to collect their PVCs, not because they don’t want to collect theirs, but because the cards are not available yet.
‘Consequently, it will not be right to allow such a huge number of our brothers and sisters to be disenfranchised. Therefore it became necessary that time be given to INEC to ensure adequate provision of PVCs, enlightenment of the electorates and training of the Ad Hoc staff to ensure credible and transparent polls.’
The PDP governorship hopeful urged the electorates to continue to have faith and remain committed to the electoral process as all efforts are being made to ensure hitch-free general elections.
The Bishop of Owerri Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Cyril Okorocha thanked the Deputy Speaker for his commitment to the growth of the church and prayed that God grants him his heart desires.
