Postponement: Abubakar peace panel seeks stakeholders’ understand

•Ex-head of state urges INEC to redeem credibility

National Peace and Reconciliation Committee  Chairman Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be focused on how best to reclaim its credibility and integrity.

This is as he also appealed to Nigerians to put aside the disappointment of the postponement of the general elections.

The commission had announced the postponement of the general polls over alleged logistics problems and sabotage of its effort.

The former head of state, in a statement titled: Nigerians: Rise up and obey the nation’s call”,  noted that Nigerians must remain hopeful.

He stated:  ”After trying to explain your situation, it is now important to focus on how best to reclaim your credibility and integrity. Patiently continue to focus on attaining internal cohesion and coordination. Do not give room to external enemies to infiltrate and destroy the confidence and trust that your organisation has earned.

“Avoid panic measures, continue to communicate effectively with Nigerians and build up your confidence. Listen to the politicians, but do not be distracted. Perhaps, just perhaps, your being accused by both sides might be your vindication. You might still be vindicated in the end. Focus on the big picture.”

Agreeing that there were reasons for people to be angry, Abubakar, who was more philosophical in his statement, said although, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has already addressed the nation and the leaders of all the political parties, very little has happened to assuage the deep feeling of embarrassment, pain and disappointment across the land.

“The impact of this decision has permeated every stratum of our lives and has the potential to dampen the confidence of our people in the political process. It has further deepened anxieties within the international community about our country.”

Abubakar noted that the disappointment should be seen as a battle that must be won collectively by all.

“There is enough blame to pass around. The real challenge now is for us as a nation, to reach out to the deepest instincts of faith in God and our country. We must put everything aside and see this as a battle that all of us must win. The challenge is not who to sacrifice, but what sacrifice to make.

“We must remain hopeful because God is perfect and all-knowing. We are humans, He is the God of history and all power belongs to Him alone. He will give to whom He wishes, how and when He wishes. We are merely instruments of His plans. It is against this background that we wish to appeal to our fellow citizens,” he added.

To Nigerians, Abubakar stated: “We understand your right to feel betrayed and humiliated by INEC. However, we appeal to you all to see this as a watershed in the life of our fledgling Democracy. The only way we can ensure a steady democracy is for us to learn the lessons from these sad developments. Therefore, we appeal to you not to count the cost of the setback, but respond to the call to patriotism. Do not relent, go out and fulfill your duty to your family and country on election day. We will soon turn the corner in hope.  Rather than despair, rise up to defend our democracy.”

To the political class, he stated: “What we have before us is well beyond the struggle for power. Our predicament calls for character and grace. The politicians must own this process by showing their readiness to collaborate with INEC and to inspire our people to new heights. The challenge before you goes beyond the narrowness of political opportunities.

“This is not time to trade blames or to incite your supporters. Be temperate in your language so that we do not inadvertently set up our people for violence. Sadly, for us, politics of the last few years have further polarised our people along dangerous religious, regional, ethnic and party lines. We must aim at trying to avert this precipice and try to heal our nation.”

He also called for the understanding of the international community, saying: “We appreciate the sacrifices that you have made to come to Nigeria to monitor our elections. We see your engagement with us not as an act of interference but as the extension of the hand of friendship and encouragement. With your co-operation and encouragement, we will deepen our political culture and turn democracy into a tool for development and progress for our people. We know it is a long road and we are prepared to walk it to the end.”

He also asked God to “take control of all the relevant agencies in this election and let your will be done.”