Abuja, Feb. 16, 2015 (NAN) The ECOWAS Commission on Monday urged Nigerians to remain calm and show understanding with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the postponement of the 2015 elections.
The commission said the advice was consequent upon the report of its fact-finding mission in Nigeria, led by former Ghanaian President John Kuffor.
The President of the commission, Mr Kadre Ouedraogo, told state House Correspondents in Abuja that it was the regional body’s belief that in spite of the postponement of the elections, it still needed to observe the situation in Nigeria.
“We have also issued a declaration, following the postponement of the election, appealing for calm and understanding and also appealing to all authorities to make sure that the constitution is respected.
“So this is the essence of the content our discussion with his Excellency.“
He said that the commission felt it was important to share the report with all the stakeholders as the [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]commission was by its mandate expected to observe and monitor all the electoral processes in member countries.
He said, “We are going to engage with all the stakeholders, the APC candidate and the INEC to share with them the findings of our observation mission.“
According to him, the commission set up a long-term verification group, which compiled the report after it visited the six geo-political zones of the country.
The regional body’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs Salamatu Suleiman also gave in insight into the findings.
“One of the issues that will be of interest to you and we think you can help is that our long-term observer missions said there was a lot of hate media, hate speeches, being distributed which was not good for our polity which was heating up the polity.
“And the President has spoken to all the stakeholders to please look into lessening this aspect in the electoral process and I think it is an aspect that the media can help greatly in addressing.
“This is a very important election for Nigeria. All Nigerians are concerned.
“The ECOWAS Community is very much concerned that it all comes out very well and we all owe it as a duty to see very positive things that can move this nation forward.“
