Government may extend voter registration period

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed two weeks for the registration, which kicked off on January 15 but the in the last six days, the exercise has been dogged by lapses which made it impossible for many to register, and made the whole process tedious for those with the opportunity to do so.

Ready to register

Addressing a delegation of the G-20 group of northern politicians which came to congratulate him on his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer, the president noted that the quantum of complaints trailing the exercise shows that Nigerians are willing to register and exercise their civic responsibilities. He said government is willing to encourage them to do so.

He also noted that some of the challenges may hinge on the fact that the ad hoc staff, including National Youth Service Corps members deployed for the exercise, may not have been adequately trained. He, however, expressed optimism that the challenges will be surmounted.

“The machines are slow in some cases. I believe that the training too may not be enough. I think the youth corpers were not properly trained. I believe we will get through these challenges.

“We will not stop until all eligible voters have registered. The complaints by Nigerians show that so many are interested in registering” he said.

Many groups and individuals have called on the government to extend the period of registration to allow more people to participate in it because since January 15 when it started hordes of people have been unable to register. Olusegun Obasanjo, former president is one of those who have not been able to register. On Sunday when he went to do so, the machines could not capture his finger prints. The former president said he may have to cut short his journey to Cuba to allow him register before the end of the exercise.

A triumph of will

Mr Jonathan thanked the delegation which was led by Solomon Lar, former PDP chairman, for its support during the primaries adding that with such a backing the April presidential poll itself is as good as secured for him and Vice President Namadi Sambo.

In his response the leader of the delegation Mr. Lar said the group was delighted to place on record that the president, whom the group named “Mai-Nasara” won in each zone of the country adding that, “this development has a tremendous significance for the growth and depth of democracy. By this nationwide endorsement,” Mr. Lar said, “the delegates have clearly demonstrated the will of the people to triumph over sectional, ethnic, religious and regional politics in favour of national unity, peaceful co-existence and social harmony”.

The northern political group further announced its decision to convene a Northern Economic Summit to address economic issues concerning the north.

“We are pleased to announce that arrangements have been made by the G-20 to convene a Northern Economic Summit, designed to address the core issues of fundamental economic transformation of Northern Nigeria” Mr. Lar said.

He also noted that the summit shall focus on vital matters of wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, agricultural transformation, restoration of educational excellence and core values.