2019 polls postponement embarrassing – ASUU president

The National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi has described as ‘a rude shock and a dent to the country’s image’ the sudden postponement of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ogunyemi noted that the development would further reduce the integrity of the nation […]

The National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi has described as ‘a rude shock and a dent to the country’s image’ the sudden postponement of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ogunyemi noted that the development would further reduce the integrity of the nation before the international community.

“We shall be issuing our statement on this as soon as we are through with our findings on what led to this national disgrace.

“But for the moment, I will say this is coming to us as a big surprise as it does not portray us as well a country when it comes to planning.

“For an election of this magnitude whose preparation had been underway for over three years now to be cancelled a few hours to the main process, is to say the least, a huge waste of resources as well as an embarrassment before the international community,” Ogunyemi said.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, a few hours to the polls, announced the shift in the election date from Feb. 16 to Feb. 23.

He also announced the shift of the governorship, state assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections from March 2 to March 9.

“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible,” Yakubu had said. (NAN)