…Jonathan Assures Adequate Security, Support For INEC

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured Nigerians that security agencies in the country would provide adequate security during the entire process of the rescheduled 2011 general elections which commences on Saturday.

Jonathan said in a nationwide broadcast that security agencies had been directed to ensure the security of all voters, polling agents and INEC officials as well as the maintenance of law and order during the elections.

He appealed to all Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies to achieve peaceful elections throughout the country.

The President called on political stakeholders to adhere to the rules of “fair play and healthy competition’’.

“At this critical stage in our national development, we cannot afford to engage in acts that can fan the embers of violence and discord.

“Let me assure you that government remains committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and property of all Nigerians across the country,’’ he said.

He noted that the country is bigger than everybody and that no political ambition was worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Jonathan urged all Nigerians to see the elections as a watershed in the country’s march to greatness and therefore, come out to participate in the polls.

“Participating in the electoral process is your way of demonstrating your faith in the future of our country; a future founded on the promise of democracy, unity and progress,’’ he said.

He said that the government would continue to support INEC and provide all that it required to carry out its mandate.

He appealed to Nigerians to keep faith in the electoral process and not to be discouraged by the development that led to the postponement of the elections last Saturday.

“I deeply share with all Nigerians the understandable feeling of disappointment and frustration that was caused by the postponement.

“Across the country, there was clear evidence of an overwhelming spirit of patriotism that saw our countrymen and women troop out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process.

“Our people exhibited phenomenal fortitude and understanding, as many of you travelled long distances at great personal cost, and waited patiently to perform your civic responsibility,’’ he said.

The President urged all eligible voters to sustain the patriotic zeal demonstrated last Saturday by coming out in their numbers and cast their votes in all the elections.