The European Union Election Observer Mission, EUEOM, on Tuesday cautioned the Federal Government on the security challenge that the country is currently faced with, stressing that security, albeit important, should not be turned to a political issue.
In a statement issued by Santiago Fisas, Chief Observer, EUEOM, the election monitoring group said it was seriously concerned by the delay in Nigeria’s election and the reasons given.
While commending the peaceful reactions that greeted the postponement, Fisas urged security agencies to give full support to INEC and Nigerians in general during the period of elections.
“The EU EOM commends the peaceful reaction to the postponement so far and will continue observing the electoral process. We are seriously concerned at this delay and the reason given. Security is critical but must not be political. People have to be able to vote; elections have to be held so that government is accountable. We look to the security agencies to give full support to INEC and all the people of Nigeria in the holding of polls on 28 March and 11 April,” he said.
Fisas, who stressed that all stakeholders should consider the extra time as an opportunity to prepare for the election days, added that the group would be in different parts of the country till the forthcoming elections.
“We encourage all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to prepare for the election days. We will be here in different parts of the country observing the next crucial weeks in the run up to the election and beyond,” Fisas added.
