The National Council of State meets today in Abuja, amid strident calls on it not to support demand for delaying the February 14 general elections.
The Council consists of the President (as chairman), all former Presidents and Heads of State, governors, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker and Attorney-General of the Federation.
The role of the council is advisory, but its voice carries a strong moral weight.
The members of the council advise the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to the Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission), among others.
Arrangements had been concluded for the meeting scheduled for 11.00am at the Council Chambers of the State House.
The meeting according to sources would deliberate on the calls in some quarters, for the postponement of the general elections.
Chairman of the National Electoral Commission Professor Attahiru Jega is expected to brief the council on preparations for the election, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
He added that security chiefs would also attend the meeting to give an update on their level of preparedness for the elections.
However, General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the National Council of State to put the interest of Nigeria above any selfish or personnal agenda.
Reacting to the heightened fears of election postponement, Gen Buhari’s campaign Headquartes said considering the zeal of Nigerians for change and their passion to vote, there should be no excuse to deny them the right to exercise their franchise.
Media and Publicity Director of the presidential campaign office Malam Garba Shehu said in a statement that since INEC, had assured it was ready for the election, there is no basis to contemplate delaying it.
Postponement of election is a serious national issue, the spokesperson said, urging members of the National Council of State to vote according to their conscience when the issue of election postponement comes up for consideration.
He reminded members of the Council that their honour and integrity are at stake, and therefore, they must consider the implications of election postponement carefully.
“As at the last count all stakeholders have committed to the conduct of the general election as scheduled. INEC had expressed its preparedness, the military and police have committed to providing adequate security and even the PDP says it is prepared for the election.
“From all indications the only person who is not prepared for the election appears to be President Jonathan who has seen defeat staring him in the face and is pulling all the strings to re-enact the June 12, 1993 scenario,” he said.
Also, the APC said it will not accept plans by the ruling PDP to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the elections.
National chairman of the party, Chief Odigie Oyegun has also said at a press conference t in Abuja yesterday that the APC is aware that the Presidency may attempt to drag members of The Council of State into its efforts to postpone the elections during today’s meeting.
“Members of The Council of State are Nigerians who are held in very high esteem, and their involvement in a project that damages the democratic process will be a serious disservice to our national assets in leaders,” he said.
He said the party is encouraged by the fact that INEC has restated, in clear and unambiguous terms, its determination, preparedness and ability to conduct the elections as planned.
The APC chairman said that Nigerians understand where the orchestrated attempts involving instigation of political parties and other groups, coupled with flimsy legal challenges and manipulation of national elders and leaders are coming from.
“These are part of the PDP script to deny Nigerians their right to choose their leaders on the 14th and 28th of February.
He said the APC has faith in the members of The Council of State, and advises them not to become tools in the hand of an administration that wants to subvert our fragile democratic process.
“INEC should be allowed to perform its duties without overbearing interference from other institutions of State and the evil machinations of the PDP.
Director of media and publicity in the Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has said the Peoples Democratic Party is ready for whatever position the Independent National Electoral Commission takes as regards either shifting or holding the elections.
Fani-Kayode at a press conference yesterday said it is the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential campaign organisation that have been alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party-controlled Federal Government is not ready for the scheduled February 14 and 28 general elections and that it is planning to put in place an interim government.
“These allegations are disingenuous, tenuous and shameful and called on Nigerians to discountenance what he called APC and Lai Mohammed’s petty lies.
He said the APC came up with allegations of Interim National Government because leaders of the party have seen that the [party cannot win elections.
“INEC is completely independent. We have called on INEC to ensure that everybody has the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC). We have done that public service; but as to whether election is to be postponed or not is INEC’s sole decision. Whichever way, we are very well prepared for the election. Let it be clear that the APC leaders and members are the ones who are afraid of elections,” he said.
Also yesterday a coalition of Nigeria’s top Civil Society Organisations (SCOs) urged the INEC boss not to succumb to blackmail and intimidation but remain steadfast in the interest of the country’s democracy and the well being of the citizenry.
