The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed outrage against Nigeria’s Security Chiefs for embarking on what it called, “Away Without Leave” (AWOL). The CNPP’s stand followed the postponement of the general elections, a development that is generating mixed reactions.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday by the group’s national publicity secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, he said, “CNPP has no better definition of the blackmail submission of the Security Chiefs that they cannot secure the managers of the general elections, if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insist on holding the elections in February; but as AWOL, since less than 10% of the country’s local government areas is under the control of the Boko Haram insurgents.
“We are at a loss the mileage the Security Chiefs will cover between now and 28 March to crush the Bokom Haram, which warranted the shift of the February polls, or will the poll be shifted again, if the insurgent rages?’ Mr Osita Okechukwu their spokesman submitted in the terse press statement”.
He posited that, “CNPP is making this assertion, based on our phobia of possible truncation of our fledgling democracy; for we witnessed first hand how our member political parties, some of whom have no candidate for any Parliamentary bid or Governorship were manipulated and compromised by the presidency to support poll elongation.
“We, however, commend the 21 Resident Electoral Commissioners and 12 political parties that opposed poll-tenure- elongation and pray that there is no further elongation: they should take solace on the truism that postponement of examinations cannot assist an indolent student.
“We wish once again to appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan to place the collective interest of our dear country above personal political survival, for whatever happens, he should thank his stars for ruling this country for six years”.
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