NAN – The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Friday, March 6, 2015 described the liberation of communities in the North-East by security forces from the control of insurgents as a success for democracy.
IPAC, a conglomeration of political parties in Nigeria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu that the success story had given electorate in the region courage to participate in the forthcoming elections.
The IPAC Chairman in Yobe, Alhaji Umar Kukuri, said the military operations in the region had cleared fears and apathy which had hither to envelop the people in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
“It is evident that the military have reclaimed areas like Mubi and Michika in Adamawa, Baga and Munguno in Borno as well as Gulani in Yobe, giving the displaced persons hope and strength to participate in the elections.’’
Kukuri urged INEC to use the extension period to complete all arrangements for the conduct of the elections on March 28 and April 11.
“With this extension and achievements recorded in security, there is an improved atmosphere in the North-East for the conduct of the elections.’’
The IPAC chairman commended President Goodluck Jonathan “for assuring Nigerians that there was no reason to sack Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“The call for Jega’s sack was diversionary, ill-motivated and intended to ridicule Mr President and Nigeria’s democracy before the international community,’’ he said.
Kukuri advised security agencies to remain neutral, professional and committed to national duty always, and especially during the electioneering period.
According to him, they should resist the antics of politicians who will want to manipulate them to achieve selfish political goals.
The chairman called on all political parties and their candidates to support INEC toward conducting free and credible elections to promote democratic growth in Nigeria.
