Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rotimi Oyekanmi has described Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State as a liar and asked Nigerians to ignore him.
The Chief Press Secretary, who was reacting to comment by Governor Wike, that INEC is not ready for 2019 elections, asked Nigerians not to take Wike seriously.
Wike had said that INEC lacked the Nigerians’ trust, insisting that the commission was only deceiving Nigerians and spending the country’s money.
“If we want to get election right in this country, INEC must say where the card readers do not work, elections should be held the next day.
“Nigeria should provide the funds. We should not do the wrong thing because of fund. Some argue that this thing is also done in advanced countries, but they forget that those places have established institutions and there is trust also. Here, there is no institution and there is no trust.
“In 2019, let me tell you, and mark this day, INEC is not prepared for any election. What they are doing is a jamboree to make sure that they are spending money. They can’t deceive me,” Wike had said.
But, Rotimi said: “the Rivers State Governor is entitled to his opinion and I think Nigerians know him too well to take him seriously on any issue of national importance.”
“But as far as INEC is concerned, our preparation for the 2019 general elections is on course. Stakeholders have just validated our Strategic Plan. The Federal Government recently appointed 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners and the Senate, thank God, has also just passed the amendments to the Electoral Act.
“We have the Anambra State governorship election to conduct later this year. Besides, the re-organization of the commission is being carried out. So, we are on course and cannot be distracted.”
Source: The PUNCH. [myad]
