NLC expresses worry over attacks

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over incidents of violence in some polling units and areas where thug activities disrupted voting in Saturday’s general election.

Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

“Yesterday’s experience should prepare INEC to conduct better elections this year,” the statement said.

“We hope that the voting materials will reach their destination on time so that the various time frames will be strictly followed to prevent the deviation of potential voters.

“Reports reaching us depict a rather frightening picture in many areas across the country, until noon; the voting materials have not arrived at the polling units. We are concerned about the reports of violent incidents in some polling units and areas where the activities of thugs are pronounced (sic) despite the presence of security agencies.

The NLC president also said INEC must ensure that voters exercise their rights in secret to avoid exposure to violence, adding that the sanctity of ballots must be protected.

Mr. Ajaero also said that guidelines for voting should be followed to protect the rights of voters in polling units and ensure that their choices remain private.

According to him, INEC must deal with voter suppression and ballot box looting cases recorded in some areas on Saturday.

“If voters are beaten in the Voting Unit, the signal to other voters should stay at home and not vote. This is disenfranchised and undemocratic and unacceptable.

“It is important that INEC understands that this election is also a referendum on its capacity to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

“You have not, therefore, failed yourself and Nigerians again, but proved wrong those who believed that it would be difficult for INEC to raise the bar in elections in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Ajaero said no other institution will be held accountable except INEC if it fails to live up to the expectations of Nigerians. He added that given the vast amount of resources, the important nature of this election and the considerable amount of time it takes to prepare for this cycle, much needs to be done to ensure free and fair elections.

He said that the commission’s experience in electoral conduct should be brought to bear in this exercise to make it successful.

“The monitoring mechanism must act and correct what has been observed to prevent what has been observed in the field.

“If INEC is right, Nigeria will get it. This election gives us hope and INEC is the center of this hope,” he said.

(IN)