The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reacted to the closed door meeting held yesterday between Nigerian Service Chiefs and the INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, where Jega was reportedly told to give up on the use of card readers in the March 28 general elections.
The group had in a press release issued on Thursday morning asked why the Peoples Democratic Party, President Jonathan and the Service Chiefs were against the use of card readers when the essence was to curb rigging in the coming election. It also asked why the federal government and the PDP were now opposing the use of the card readers even when they were aware of the initial plan to procure them. It cautioned against a possible scenario where the security details of the INEC Chairman, Professor Jega, could be withdrawn, warning that the whole world and the international community were watching.
Below is the full statement:
Some media sources reported yesterday that intimidation featured prominently in the meeting between service chiefs and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega.
The service chiefs allegedly asked Jega to withdraw the card readers. Two ethnic militia groups have also held demonstrations against the use of card readers. Many of the demonstrators openly brandished guns and other dangerous weapons. Interestingly too, the ruling party has been rooting for holding the elections without using the card readers while the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), supports the use of card readers.
Putting all these together, Nigerians are beginning to ask questions. They are worried about the fast approaching elections. If the card reader is meant to stop rigging, why should anyone object to its use? Also, did INEC acquire the card readers without informing the Federal Government? If FG knew about the card readers prior to the procurement, why are the ruling party and the service chiefs vehemently opposed to its use? Again, if FG would not allow its use, why waste huge sums of money on its purchase?
We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) are constrained to observe that all the above have created a tension-soaked environment. This is contrary to a conducive atmosphere for holding elections.
MURIC charges all stakeholders to soft-pedal at this crucial stage before Nigeria is plunged into chaos. Extreme position on the left or the right at this material time is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.
The status quo has also compelled MURIC to envision the worst case scenario in which the chairman of INEC Jega’s security details could be withdrawn. He might be asked to resign or the youth corpers whom INEC intends to use for the elections might refuse to work for fear over their personal safety. INEC may also be sabotaged either from within or from outside the electoral institution. Withdrawing Jega’s security details will imply open intimidation. It will also backfire because it is bound to incriminate FG. This must not happen.
We advocate caution in all these scenarios. The international community is watching. We invite all stakeholders to recharge their patriotism. Elections come and go, Nigeria must remain. Let us all drop thoughts of embarking on unconstitutional acts, sabotage, violence or secession.
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
234-803-346-4974
234-818-211-9714
E-mail: muslimrightsconcern@yahoo.co.uk
muslimrights@gmail.com
Website: www.muric.net
Yahoo Group: groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimrights
Blog: muslimrightsmuric.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/muslimrights
MURIC’s bank account :
Banker’s Name: Guaranty Trust Bank Account Name: Muslim Rights Concern Account Number: 0112827277
Be just Justice is the soul of peace No one can deny one and have the other
Neither can violence or naked force bring lasting peace
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