Some prominent lawyers in Lagos on Saturday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its timely release of the timetable for the 2015 general elections.
The lawyers, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, called on the populace to support INEC towards making the election a success.
NAN reports that the commission, in a statement issued on Friday, fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Feb. 14, 2015.
It also fixed state assembly and governorship elections for Feb.28, 2015.
Mr Onyekachi Ubani, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),
Ikeja branch, said the timetable was in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“The Electoral Act has made provisions for the resolution of all election matters within 90 days.
“So, I think INEC is thinking and planning ahead towards ensuring that these matters are resolved before the inauguration of eventual winners,” he said.
A human rights activist and lawyer, Mr Fred Agbaje, urged INEC to put all logistics in place towards the realisation of free and fair polls.
Agbaje also advised politicians to abide by the relevant electoral laws and put an end to unguarded utterances capable of heating up the polity.
“The utterances by some of our politicians have clearly showed that they are not ready to play by the rules,” he said.
Another lawyer, Mr Wale Ogunade, told NAN that it was the responsibility of every Nigerian to cooperate with INEC to ensure that it succeeded in delivering on its mandates.
“The timetable was issued by INEC based on its ability to conduct the elections. All stakeholders, including the politicians, should work with it to make a success of the project,” he said.
Some other stakeholders also commented on the release of the time table.
Mr Yinka Odunmakin, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, a sociopolitical organisation, told NAN that the timing of the elections gave enough time to have the national conference, complete it and subject it to a referendum.
He said it was important that several issues which caused tension in the country should be resolved by the national conference before the elections.
Mr Mohammed Oyefeso, a former Electoral Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission said the timing would reduce tension in some states.
“I want to commend INEC for putting us on notice this time around and for setting the tone.
“This will reduce the tension in some states and everybody will want to play and abide by the rules of the game,” Oyefeso said.
The Chairman, National Coalition of Political Parties, Mr Damian Ogonna, said releasing the timetable on time would allow political parties adequate time to prepare.
“Releasing it on time is good as it will allow parties to work ahead of time.
“But the commission should not fail to recognise political parties that have been freed by the ruling of the Federal High Court,” Ogbonna said.
Two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly also spoke on the release of the time table.
Mr Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on information and Publicity LAHA told NAN that INEC should now prove to the world that it was capable of conducting free and fair elections.
Olulade, (APC-Epe II), said that the electoral body must conduct elections that would minimise any form of litigation in 2015.
“They should allow people to develop more confidence in the commission,” he said.
Mr Bisi Yusuf, the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry also told NAN that what was more important was the conduct of flawless elections rather than just timely release of the time table.
Yusuf (APC-Alimosho I) said that INEC should show more signs of seriousness toward the coming election and prepare adequately for them.
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