Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Sunday, expressed disappointment at the rescheduling of the general elections from Feb. 14 to March 28 and April 11, 2015 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He told journalists after collecting his Permanent Voter Card (PVC) at his ward in Surulere Local Government Area, that the change in date for the elections lacked merit.

Fashola said the claim by the security agencies that they could not guarantee security for the elections as initially scheduled, illustrated the lack of preparedness for the polls on the part of the election management body.

While describing the rescheduling as “a low point in governance,” the governor said the shift was capable of undermining the nation’s democracy and investment.

“I think Nigerians must be disappointed by the postponement of the polls from February to March because it seems as if INEC was ambushed to take that decision.

The shift will have consequences for us as a nation; the credibility of our governance is regrettably diminished. I do not know of any serious democracy that has set election dates then change them.

I think when a country sets a process in motion like this,it ought to know that there would be political and economic consequences.

Investors watch what is going on. It is really disappointing and when you hear the Federal Government saying they cannot guarantee security, it is more disappointing.

Security is the primary responsibility of the government and whether the nation holds election or not it is the duty of government to provide security.

If countries like Afghanistan and Syria where there is war and internal conflicts still had elections, I do not see why we can’t.

Again, we had elections in 2011 and some of these terror acts had started in 2010.So where was the ability to guarantee security then ? ” he said.

Fashola, however, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm over the development, stressing the need for them to shun anything that could breach the peace.

He noted that the postponement of the polls from Febuary to March is only a matter of time, saying that eligible voters will eventually exercise their franchise.

The governor however said that he was glad to collect his PVC at last and enjoined residents who had not collected theirs to do so.

He appealed to INEC to extend the PVC collection deadline to enable more Nigerians pick up their voter cards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had earlier addressed a crowd of Arewa APC supporters at the Tafawa Balewa Square,where he urged them to eschew violence.

He said no matter how much they were provoked by supporters of the other political parties, they should stay out of trouble.

Fashola urged members to step up campaigns to ensure victory for the party.

NAN reports that the state’s APC governorship aspirant, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Shade Tinubu-Ojo were among the dignitaries that attended the rally.

Funny when these politicians warn people to be calm over the postponement.
What would they do?
Confront INEC?
Confront the military?
Confront the President?
Confront PDP or other parties in support?
What exactly?

Close ur mouth fashola , APC should first allow non indigenes in lag to Collect there PVC before talking of election

DesChyko:
Funny when these politicians warn people to be calm over the postponement.
What would they do?
Confront INEC?
Confront the military?
Confront the President?
Confront PDP or other parties in support?
What exactly?

Make u a victim of their frustration.

I wonder what is so bad abt postponing an election. The election wasn't canceled, it was only a change of date. Why is it such a big matter?
What Are they afraid of?

Bevista:
Make u a victim of their frustration.

That's the point isn't it? Why should they be frustrated? Absolutely no reason. Besides, Buhari is coming with a plan to restore Nigerian finances up there hopefully.
What's the big idea behind this aim?

DesChyko:

That's the point isn't it? Why should they be frustrated? Absolutely no reason. Besides, Buhari is coming with a plan to restore Nigerian finances up there hopefully.
What's the big idea behind this aim?

When people feel their right is being trampled upon by the SYSTEM, then they will go to unimaginable length to vent their frustration. In most cases, the victims might not be the 'oppressors' but innocent victims. That is why it becomes necessary to advise everyone to keep calm.

With so much discontent on this issue of election postponement, I think the INEC should quickly set up a robust and effective media campaign to solicit the understanding of Nigerians and sustain the morale of the electorates.
I am equally impressed with the matured way the opposition handled this disappointment. Nigeria as a nation,fell short of the expectations of International communities and most Nigerians.
The good side is that most people can now pick up their PVCs and media outfits can make more money from campaign adverts

Bevista:
When people feel their right is being trampled upon ..

I guess that is the problem. No one listens. The guilty party is clearly the military. Whomever has a thing or two to say knows where to find them.
2011 isn't that far away and we know those who shed whose blood.

Prof Jega rightly stated it that INEC widely consulted before taking the decision. INEC is helpless in this regard. Let's give the military our maximum support and prayers to overcome the insurgent challenge.

God bless President GEJ. Politics should not be a do or die game. That we don't support one candidate should not make us enemy.

DesChyko:
Funny when these politicians warn people to be calm over the postponement.
What would they do?
Confront INEC?
Confront the military?
Confront the President?
Confront PDP or other parties in support?
What exactly?

sharrap and swallow your dirty questions.

I thought Fashola is a SAN with excellent knowledge of Nigerian constitution. Is postponing date of election not constitutional? After all the hand over date remains the same.

myhoodlink:
Prof Jega rightly stated it that INEC widely consulted before taking the decision. INEC is helpless in this regard. Let's give the military our maximum support and prayers to overcome the insurgent challenge.

God bless President GEJ. Politics should not be a do or die game. That we don't support one candidate should not make us enemy.

support which military? The one fully immersed in politics? They lost the support of most Nigerians cos of their actions and inactions that led to this postponement. They have indirectly increased sympathizers base for boko haram by their role in the postponement saga. We are watching to see how they tame book haram in 6 weeks. *sits on the fence to watch the bloody match*

what's this man saying?

there are many dark days ahead - gej never finish him blood sacrifice

nationwide1:
I thought Fashola is a SAN with excellent knowledge of Nigerian
constitution. Is postponing date of election not constitutional? After all the hand over date remains the same.

Really I don't understaand these APC guys, they want election.

malele:
Close ur mouth fashola , APC should first allow non indigenes in lag to Collect there PVC before talking of election

So APC is now responsible for the distribution of PVC in Lagos abi? Some ppl reasoning is just pathetic, despite been the governor Fashola just got his PVC last Saturday, Berem is not an indigene she has her PVC likewise many non indigenes, why did you ppl always like to play the tribal card? & whenever its backfired you keepon complaining of marginalization.