Jonathan Says May 29 Date Sacrosanct

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the May 29 handover

date remains sacrosanct as it is the terminal date of his first term in
office. In a statement yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Media
and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, quoted the president as saying that the
adjustment by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should
be accepted by Nigerians as necessary decision to ensure that Nigerians
are not disenfranchised.

While calling for support from the international community and civil
society organisations, President Jonathan noted: “This is not a time to
trade blames or make statements that may overheat the polity, but a time
to show understanding and support the electoral commission to conduct the
elections successfully.”
The statement read: “Following the adjustment of the dates for the 2015
general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
from February 14 and to 28th of March  and April 11th, yesterday (Saturday),
President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured the nation of his commitment to
the sanctity of May 29, 2015 as the terminal date of his first term in
office.

“He strongly reaffirms that May 29 is, has been, and will remain sacrosanct.

“The President appeals to all stakeholders to accept the adjustment of the
election dates by INEC in good faith, as the electoral body has a
responsibility to conduct credible elections in which every Nigerian of
voting age is afforded the opportunity to exercise their civic right
without any form of hindrance.

“President Jonathan believes that this is not a time to trade blames or
make statements that may overheat the polity, but a time to show
understanding and support the electoral commission to conduct the
elections successfully.

“It is the President’s understanding that INEC’s decision ought not to
generate acrimony since it acted within its powers under the law and in
consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

“He calls on the international community, civil society and the electorate
to continue to support the administration’s commitment to a free, fair,
credible, and non-violent electoral process.”