Election postponement: One week not enough for INEC to resolve challenges, says Dickson

Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, has cast doubts over the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve issues that led to the postponement of 2019 general election ahead of the rescheduled polls.

While speaking at the Government House in Yenagoa yesterday,  Dickson said the manner the commission unilaterally announced the postponement of the election has belittled the image of the country and may lead the country into constitutional crisis.

He said, “I disagree with the INEC unilateral announcement, as they have done, of next Saturday as the new date to hold the rescheduled polls.

“I do not believe that all the challenges that INEC had can be resolved and the country can be assured of a hitch-free election in the next five days because I don’t know what more they need to do that can be accomplished on that day.”

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The governor also called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to convene an emergency National Council of States meeting where stakeholders would discuss how INEC can conduct a free, credible and fair polls.

“With the postponement, we are moving closer to a major constitutional crisis at a time the Supreme Court is also in crisis. It is on this ground I call on the President to convene an emergency meeting of the National Council of States to discuss how we can conduct a free, fair and credible election.”

He further urged Bayelsans to maintain the momentum and zeal they displayed during the postponed elections, saying they should go out en masse to vote the candidates of their choice.

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“It is unfortunate that we are faced with sudden postponement after we had mobilized supporters at great cost. However, I want to call on Bayrlsans to go out en masse to vote the candidates of their choice.

“That is your civic right. I know we all feel disappointed but that is not enough reason not to go out on the rescheduled polls to vote. I will meet with all the security chiefs to discuss how adequate security would be provided on that day.” He added.