The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC has urged the Federal Government not to postpone this month’s general election.
Dr Peter Ozo-Eson,general secretary of NLC recalled on Monday that the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, recently urged the government to postpone the general elections,citing security concerns,
Furthermore,Ozo-Eson noted “Some organizations and individuals have since lent their voices in support of a shift in date of the polls amidst equally vociferously dissenting voices which accused the government of orchestrating the postponement campaign, with some going as far as saying that government would rely on litigation and or street protests to achieve its objective.
“While we at the Congress appreciate the security situation in the country, especially in the North East, we stand to be counted on the side of those who argue for holding of elections on their prescribed dates.
“Certainly, the dangers in the land are unmistakably real. Nonetheless, we do believe, there are greater dangers in a postponement.
“For instance, what assurance do we have that the security situation will improve in the next couple of months.
“Secondly, a postponement has the potential of lending credence to circulating allegations of manipulation by government.
NLC said further ,”But beyond all this, the 1999 Constitution is clear and unambiguous about when and how elections are to be conducted and every effort should be made to meet with the provisions of the constitution.
“In light of the foregoing, we urge the government to speedily create an enabling environment for holding of elections in every part of Nigeria in fulfillment of government’s promise to the citizenry of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
