Groups urge Nigerians to storm polls despite postponement

Kick Against Corrupt Actions
Barrister Arinze Odiari, Legal Adviser to political advocacy group, Greater Onitsha Foundation (GOF) has urged Nigerians not be discouraged by the recent postponement and still go out on the re-scheduled dates to elect their preferred candidates.

According to him, “everyone that is having a go at INEC can be excused because INEC had about four years to plan. If the re-scheduled elections will enable us have a free, fair and less problematic election then you can say the end justifies the means.”

“Voters should not be discouraged rather they should use the disappointment as motivation to vote. They need to understand that they have the opportunity to make a statement and determine their future at least for the next four years,” he added.

Arinze further advised the country to revisit its election policies after the 2019 exercise and demand acceptable norms and rules of engagement from politicians who have exhibited several acts of mischief with their propaganda.

Also, Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has asked Nigerians to kick against corrupt actions during elections that might undermine the credibility of the process.

Speaking at a public lecture, Executive Chairman, CACOL, Debo Adeniran said it is important that the process is devoid of any corruptive acts because Nigerians must not allow short term gains becloud them of the long term benefit a transparent and credible election will provide as any politician elected through a corrupt process would want to protect his corrupt acts at the expense of providing quality service.

Adeniran urged Nigerians to stop tolerating petty corruption by paying attention to the smallest signs of retail corruption in public service delivery and be prepared to demand accountability from the government.