The Islamic human rights organisation, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, on Saturday joined the league of those appealing to Nigerians to be bear with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the postponement of the general election.
The general election which was to commence on Saturday was shifted to February 23, 2019 following claims of logistics problems.
The development has been a source of controversy with many expressing disappointment.
But in a statement issued by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC called on Nigerians to bear with INEC by giving it the benefit of doubt.
“The challenge before INEC is gargantuan. Though the electoral body cited logistics alone, we should understand that security is a general problem facing Nigerians. The postponement was not informed by that aspect because the security agencies have risen to the challenge. The report that electoral materials meant for twelve states were missing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) vault must be worrisome.
“A truck-load of thumb-printed ballot papers was seized by the police in Kano. INEC’s offices were burned down in two South Eastern states. A woman was allegedly arrested with 5,000 voters’ cards in Aba. A man was also allegedly arrested with prepared election result sheets in the same Aba. The sum of $1.2 billion was reportedly seized from another suspect heading towards Akwa Ibom government house. Another man who tried to steal election materials in the CBN was also apprehended,” the group said.
MURIC said it praised the security agencies for nipping the plots in the bud.
The culprits, it said, must face the full wrath of the law.
“We urge the security agencies not to relent in their effort to ensure law and order during the elections.
“Finally, we appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience and understanding as INEC strives to perfect its logistics before the commencement of the postponed elections on Saturday 23rd February, 2019,” MURIC said.
