Oluwanifemi Ojo
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said the commission would not let Nigerians and the international community down.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the assurance was given when the Chairman received the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission to Nigeria, led by former South Africa President, Thabo Mbeki, at the headquarters of INEC in Abuja on Monday.
The Chairman said, ”INEC understands the enormous benefits of conducting credible elections, not just in Nigeria but the African continent.
“Elections in Nigeria are huge and we understand. As I said, the responsibility rests on our shoulders.
“We also understand the benefits of credible elections. It will not only bring peace and good governance to our country but the positive effects on our sub-region.
“I want to assure you that we will never let Nigeria and the international community down.’’
In addition to his statement he laid emphasis on the contribution of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to the development of Nigeria’s electoral system.
He commended them and mentioned that Nigeria has benefited from the Commonwealth.
He said, “We have benefited from your previous election observation reports. So many of the innovations introduced over time have benefited from your observation reports.
“We don’t take your observations lightly.According to NAN, the former South Africa President, Thabo Mbeki, said the mission of the Commonwealth in Nigeria during this period is to observe the country’s election and formulate a report.
In his words, “This is the seventh election since independence. Nigeria is a very important country with huge impacts on itself and on the continent.
“So, it is always very important that as a commonwealth we should come and be with you as you hold these important elections and to observe the same.
“Of course, we come very hopeful and very confident that we will have successful elections, peaceful elections and intrusive elections and at the end hopefully there will be no complaints.”
According to him, the objective of the visit to the INEC headquarters was to assess the state of preparations and provide support so that the commission could carry out its duty.
