The Textile Workers’ Union has commended the decision of the Council of State urging INEC to proceed with the general elections .The commendation was made by Comrade Issa Aremu, General Secretary, Textiles Workers Union And Vice President Of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at an interactive session on 2015 general elections organised by the union in conjunction with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held on Friday February 6, 2015 at Textile Labour House, Kaduna
“Yesterday the National Council of States commendably demonstrated uncommon statesmanship by upholding the sanctity of February 14, 2015 dates for the presidential and National Assembly elections. The patriotic decision of the National Council of States that the general elections must go on as scheduled is highly commendable. The decision of the council of States is a refreshing departure from the unhelpful hysteria of the national security adviser (NSA) on the matter where in far away London he had called for a delay to allow more time for voter card distribution”Aremu said .
The comrade used the occasion to express the union’s “profound appreciation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega for the partnership with our union for this voters’ Education programme. We also salute all Nigerians as we prepare for another historic general elections beginning with the Presidential election and National Assembly election on Saturday February 14, 2015.
“We call on all Nigerian voters to come out en masse to perform their civic responsibility.
“We commend the reassurance by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the Commission’s preparedness for the election and the commitment to ensure a free and fair election.
According to the General Secretary of Textile workers’ union who doubles as the Vice President of NLC “Nigerians are no more talking of when to vote but how to vote and which party to vote for. That is why this programme is important. I am happy to announce that I have my permanent voters card (PVC) like other millions of Nigerians who have obtained their permanent voters card and others who would soon obtain their permanent voters cards. The debate should therefore be about Forward Ever and not about unhelpful postponement. The challenge is for INEC to pass the next acid text which is about ensuring credible general elections. INEC must ensure all outstanding preparations for the elections are done now NOT on the eve of the election.
“We also commend the reassurance by the Security Chiefs for adequate security arrangement to ensure peaceful elections.
Also, he said “As a labour delegate member of the 2014 National Conference, I am particularly delighted with the decision of the Council of States. Part of the critical resolutions of the National Conference is about how to deepen democracy. One of the resolutions is the need to keep to the rules. As an affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) we wish to reaffirm labour commitment to collaborating with all the stakeholders to ensure a credible, peaceful, free and fair election.
“We call on all politicians and voters alike and indeed all Nigerians to shun violence before, during and after the elections.
