How The Council Of State Rejected Jonathan’s Proposal To Postpone Elections

Date: 06-02-2015 6:11 am (9 years ago) | Author: Mister Jay Wonder
- at 6-02-2015 06:11 AM (9 years ago)
(m)

Following a grueling eight-hour meeting on Thursday,Nigeria’s National Council of State emphatically rejected a proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to postpone the 2015 general elections.

The meeting was Mr. Jonathan’s final open effort to rescue an election that seems to have got away from him very quickly.  

Under the Nigerian constitution, the Council advises executive branch, and is chaired by the President. Other members are the Vice-President, who is the Deputy Chairman; all former Presidents of the Federation and all former Heads of the Government of the Federation; all former Chief Justices; the President of the Senate; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; all State Governors; and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Also at Thursday’s meeting was the chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

President Jonathan cited security concerns and lack of preparedness by INEC as his reasons for seeking postponement of the elections.

Our presidency sources at the meeting said that all the former Heads of State spoke in favor of holding the general elections on February 14th and February 28th 2015, as scheduled by the electoral commission. Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, also spoke calmly but firmly against the proposal.

However, when it was Jega’s time to speak, he shocked the meeting by disclosing that just before he entered the Council chambers, the president’s National Security Advisor, Col.  Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), had handed him a report saying that the security services could not guarantee security during the elections.  Dasuki, he stated, emphasized that 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the North East would be compromised.

Presidency sources inside the meeting reports that Jega responded the security questions, stating “We are better off [more secure] than in 2011” elections. He also argued that the security situation in 14 LGAs should not interfere with acountry of over 700 such councils.

Professor Jega also said that all Permanent Voting Cards (PVCs) were ready for voters and that their availability should no longer be considered an issue. Our sources say that when Jega finishing giving his presentation, the majority of the room clapped in support and respect.

One source disclosed that after Jega’s presentation, aides to President Jonathan sent a signal to Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, Alex Ekwueme and Senator Okunrounmu to release a “dossier” that was in the possession of the group against Jega. That group then quickly organized a press conference in Abuja to demand Jega’s removal from INEC and get himarrested and tried for “treason”.

Contrary to Jega’s positive reception at the Council of State, the group, in a fall-back strategy the president seemed to have approved of in advance, claimed that the INEC boss had colluded with some Northern “leaders” to cheat the South of the presidency.

After today’s meeting the Council of State decided that INEC and the security agencies must hold meetings leading to the elections in order to harmonize and coordinate their activities to ensure that all elections are free and fair starting this month.

The meeting then nominated Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State to brief the press about its decisions. Governor Rochas Okorocha strategically joined Mimiko at that event to ensure that nothing was added to, or taken away from what Nigerians needed to know.

Mimiko observed that President Jonathan summoned the meeting to enable INEC brief the council on its preparedness, saying “based on what INEC briefed us and based on perception of council members and security agencies, INEC was properly advised and you will hear from INEC.”

Okorocha, in his remarks, said INEC had assured of its readiness for the election and had, therefore, been advised to perform its civic responsibility. He said the body had assured of its readiness for the election.

“National Council of State advised INEC to go and perform its civic responsibility, which is to conduct elections. That is what we agreed on.

“It was a very challenging moment and INEC has reaffirmed severally that it is ready, but because of concerns of security agencies in some few local governments, council asked INEC to go and perform its civic responsibilities, which is the conduct of elections.”

Asked if there was a decision on date change, he added that “there is no decision as to change of date, but the council has asked INEC to go and perform its responsibility.”
Former leaders of the country present at the meeting were General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Earnest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The Senate President, David Mark was also present, as well as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; former Chief Justices of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore and Dahiru Musdapher.

State governors present were James Ngilari (Adamawa), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Rauf Aregebsola (Osun); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa); Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto); Willie Obiano of Anambra and Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger.
Others were Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Idris Wada (Kogi), Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers), Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abubakar Yari (Zamfara) Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina.
Also present were Mimiko (Ondo); David Jang (Plateau); Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe.
Borno, Yobe, Abia and Oyo state governors were represented by their deputies. Taraba State acting governor, Danladi Abubakar, was present, while Benue, Ebonyi and Kebbi governors were neither present nor represented.

Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant -General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; Admiral Adesola Amosu (Air Force); Suleiman Abba, Inspector-General of Police; Ita Ekpeyong, Director-General, SSS; National Security Adviser, Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, were also present.

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, was the only living former Nigerian leader absent at the meeting.



















For more scintillating and juicy stories, follow the official Naijapals accounts On Twitter - @Naijapals and Facebook - www.facebook.com/naijapals


Posted: at 6-02-2015 06:11 AM (9 years ago) | Addicted Hero
- okuboye at 6-02-2015 06:42 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
lobatan! see as dey finish uncle jona
Posted: at 6-02-2015 06:42 AM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Reply
- maxzy277 at 6-02-2015 08:03 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
Comes 14th, God's willing
Posted: at 6-02-2015 08:03 AM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Reply
- beneno at 6-02-2015 08:11 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
 Roll Eyes Roll Eyes Roll Eyes Roll Eyes
Posted: at 6-02-2015 08:11 AM (9 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Reply
- ayo4great at 6-02-2015 08:55 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
no weapon fashioned against nigeria shall prosper.....After feb14th, there shall be peace.
Posted: at 6-02-2015 08:55 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- itemzee at 6-02-2015 09:05 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
However, when it was Jega’s time to speak, he shocked the meeting by disclosing that just before he entered the Council chambers, the president’s National Security Advisor, Col.  Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), had handed him a report saying that the security services could not guarantee security during the elections.  Dasuki, he stated, emphasized that 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the North East would be compromised. DASUKI! DASUKI!! DASUKI!!! How many time did I call u? Are u now part of BokoHaram? How did u arrived @ dis ridiculous report? I knw u will say it's an intelligent report. 14 LGA will be compromised, what a level of cetainty..

One source disclosed that after Jega’s presentation, aides to President Jonathan sent a signal to Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, Alex Ekwueme and Senator Okunrounmu to release a “dossier” that was in the possession of the group against Jega. That group then quickly organized a press conference in Abuja to demand Jega’s removal from INEC and get him arrested and tried for “treason”.  Oga Jona haba..because Jega refused to be manipulated u want to get him arrested.. ur plans keep failing and dis is an indication dat God is busy exposing u to rescue dis country..it very obvious dat PDP plans was to extend d election till Jega's tenure  expires den plant prof. Salau, Salau will take ova and demand for anoda extension of 3 months insisting dat he need to put somthins in place, Oga Jona will now use dis period to perfect his plans but unfortunately u've all failed..
Posted: at 6-02-2015 09:05 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- ChineduBlessing at 6-02-2015 09:50 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
Hold this election in February or March or April or May, all I know is that PDP will win.  GEJ is our President till 2019.
Posted: at 6-02-2015 09:50 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
Reply
- SholaDare at 6-02-2015 09:51 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
let's do this shit once and for all.
Posted: at 6-02-2015 09:51 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- echeeche at 6-02-2015 10:11 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
May God save this nation
Posted: at 6-02-2015 10:11 AM (9 years ago) | Hero
Reply
- Adbb at 6-02-2015 07:37 PM (9 years ago)
(m)
Let's get dis done wit
Posted: at 6-02-2015 07:37 PM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
Reply
- abati666 at 6-02-2015 08:49 PM (9 years ago)
(m)
MY FELLOW NIGERIANS........

SEE ME SEE TROUBLE O........HA HA HA

PRESIDO JONA DON KNOW HIM GO LOOSE....HA HA HA
Posted: at 6-02-2015 08:49 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Reply
- femjay at 6-02-2015 09:30 PM (9 years ago)
(m)
  The wind of Change is unstoppable .....
Aeroplane that have taken off in the air cannot be stop by anyone .....
...Nobody can stop the wind from blowing .....

.... The change is gonna happen ...... The wing is change is going to blow accross the country very soon ....!!!!!
Posted: at 6-02-2015 09:30 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Reply
- egwuevans17 at 7-02-2015 04:40 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
 Roll Eyes Roll Eyes Roll Eyes
Posted: at 7-02-2015 04:40 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
Reply
- Great at 7-02-2015 05:12 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
People should listen to news to get first hand info and stop lying. Who even told you guys that if election holds today Buhari will win? Let's please learn to give God his place and stop acting God.
Posted: at 7-02-2015 05:12 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- Great at 7-02-2015 05:15 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
People should listen to news to get first hand info and stop lying. Who even told you guys that if election holds today Buhari will win? Let's please learn to give God his place and stop acting God.
Posted: at 7-02-2015 05:15 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- makavalipac at 7-02-2015 10:16 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
This ppl are not elders to me they should addresed as ex crminals, this ppl kept nigeria were is today, iagine calling ibb elder or obj , that was why obj did not attend the useless meeting, i dnt knw why gej is westeing his time calling this meeting  ,u have evry thing in ur hand to win the election if they ask for war  u give the enough war , just as ibb did and abacha did to mko, u dnt need to worry ur self only when u refuse to use ur powers then u will have ur self to be blamend,  because normally u can not survive this gang up,, they knw what they doing,   niger delta will regrect nigeria when gej is finally out , they should get ready to face nigerian army ,, is just an advice, Smiley
Posted: at 7-02-2015 10:16 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Reply
- Nicksam at 7-02-2015 11:14 AM (9 years ago)
(m)
 Grin Grin Grin Grin
Posted: at 7-02-2015 11:14 AM (9 years ago) | Hero
Reply
- SweetDaddy1 at 7-02-2015 02:21 PM (9 years ago)
(m)
Aways Propaganda Congress (APC)

Nigeria is safe in the hands of President Goodluck JONATHAN, says IBB. Jonathan is the best President ever, for building Alamajiri schools, revitalising the rail ways, providing good roads, model airports, says Alhaji S. Shagari.
The Aggrieved Governors will form another party after the defeat of APC, In February 14 election. These people are aggrieved because President JONATHAN has blocked  them from Collecting ghost workers salaries from their respective States and not stoping EFCC from investigating them. A vote for Jonathan is a vote for PEACE & PROGRESS.
Posted: at 7-02-2015 02:21 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Reply
- elchymo at 22-08-2015 07:35 PM (8 years ago)
(m)
Ok
Posted: at 22-08-2015 07:35 PM (8 years ago) | Hero
Reply

fire TRENDING GISTS fire

TODAY'S TOP
  1. Nigeria Lady Shares Man’s Hilarious Reaction After Turning Down His S3xual Advances

  2. This is Unacceptable - Comedian Seyilaw Calls Out President Tinubu Over New CBN Policy

  3. UPDATE! Ekiti Varsity Students Caught on Camera Bullying Classmate Have Been Expelled

  4. I Was Ripped After Ordering Azul And Empty Bottle Was Delivered In Kenya - Portable Laments

  5. VIDEO: Man Shares The Disgusting State of a Hostel Room in University of Nigeria Nsukka

  6. Veteran Nigerian Actress, Ovularia, Reportedly Died At 81 In Port Harcourt

  7. NFF Opens Up On Why Finidi Got Super Eagles Job

  8. 21Yr Old Woman Killed By Her Boyfriend In South Africa

  9. Real Madrid v Bayern Munich: UEFA Champions League S/Final Match,Team News,Goal Scorers & Stats

  10. UPDATE: US Announces Plan To Partner Nigeria To Combat Cybercrime, Fraud Scams, Sextortion

  11. Nigerian Police Kill 2 Suspected Kidnappers In Gun Duel, Rescue 3 Indians In Ogun

  12. Teenager, Oluwateniola Omidiji Spends Days In Detention Over Mother’s Debt, Drags EFCC To Court

  13. Family Accuses Vigilante Operatives Of Robbing, Killing 2 Brothers In Rivers

  14. President Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Netherlands, Saudi Trips

  15. 10Yr Old Boy Among 6 Suspected Phone Snatchers, Robbers & Thugs Arrested In Niger State

  16. UPDATE: CBN Releases List Of Licensed Deposit Money Banks In Nigeria

  17. Throwback Post Of Davido Calling Mercy Johnson And Husband ‘Wicked’ Resurfaces

  18. 25Yr Old Man, Aniedi Mfon Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Raping 8Yr Old Girl In Cross River

  19. Bandits Reportedly Kidnap Zamfara Bank Manager, Mansur Kaura

  20. 17 Persons Arrested For Allegedly Operating Illegal Bureau de Change


THIS WEEK
  1. Moment Canadian Mayor Praises Tinubu For Work Done in Lagos While Honouring Peter Obi at Event

  2. Following CBN Directive, OPay, Palmpay, Others Clamps Down On Crypto

  3. Father-in-Law Of Wofai Fada, Engineer Kunle Cole Gives Reasons For Son’s Wedding Rejection

  4. Yvonne Jegede Reveals The Truth About Colleague, Mercy Johnson, While Calling Her Out (Video)

  5. Onanuga Shares A Post Alleging Peter Obi Demarkets Nigeria, Calls Him ‘Bitter Obi'

  6. Soldier, Abdullahi Ismail Dismissed From The Nigerian Army For Sleeping With Colleague’s Wife

  7. Focus On Fall Of Naira, Insecurity – Charly Boy Drags Onanuga For Tagging Peter Obi As ‘Bitter’

  8. Primate Ayodele Issues Warning To Tinubu, Predicts Northern Opposition To Presidential Ambition

  9. Houseboy - Angela Okorie Fires Back At Mercy Johnson's Husband After His Post on 'Mad People'

  10. Actors In Nollywood Films Used To Be Cast Based On Social Media Followers – Uzor Arukwe


TOP MEMBERS: