2019: BMO applauds INEC, urged to remain focus

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urging it to guard against the pressures being mounted by some opposition political parties, especially the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, to avoid falling victim to evil political machinations but to remain focus. After reviewing the preparations of the electoral body for the upcoming elections, the group expressed joy that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has provided the electoral body with all the necessary support, including the release of N186 Billion approved for the conduct of the 2019 general elections. The group commended INEC for withstanding the barrage of unmerited criticisms, spurious and ill-defined accusations, and being the whipping-boy of every puesdo-democrat around. The group says it believes that Nigerians will eventually commend INEC for what it has stood for. In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke in Abuja on Tuesday, the geoup said it has noted the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to a free, fair and credible elections, even as it restated the decision of the administration not to interfere in the affairs of the electoral body before, during and after the elections. “We also note that as a practical demonstration of INEC’s preparedness for the forthcoming elections, it has commenced sensitization and public awareness programmes across the country to educate voters on the voting procedures. Similarly the electoral commission has continued to interface with critical stakeholders like civil society organisations, media, security agencies and ad-hoc staff towards achieving a free and fair election. “Having been satisfied that adequate preparations have been put in place for the 2019 elections, we urge INEC to be wary of some opposition elements that may want to goad it into doing things according to the wishes of these elements”. BMO said it has noted with some trepidation that INEC had buckled to external pressures to reverse some decisions, like the redeployment of some key management staff adding, “This flexibility is okay by itself, but INEC should be wary not to be seen as malleable and easily influenced”.