Industries lost weekend to postponed election says MAN, as shareholders lament disruption to economy
SEGUN AJAYIKA DIR, DIRECTORgeneral of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has said that the postponement of the presidential and national assembly elections had negatively impacted the industrial activities as most factories had shut down their operations till Monday.
“All Nigerians were full of expectations and looking forward to the election and were surprised by the news of its postponement.
“We know that many businesses closed early yesterday to allow people move around and travel to cast their votes in their respective locations,” he said.
He, however, urged Nigerians to keep faith and perform their civic responsibilities next week.
He said irrespective of the inconvenience and disruption to industrial activities, energy and resources exerted, having a credible and smooth election was worth the sacrifice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC shifted Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23 after a meeting, which began Friday evening, ending early on Saturday.
The governorship and house of assembly, FCT area council elections have also been shifted from March 2 to March 9.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, attributed the postponement of all the scheduled elections to logistic and operational challenges.
He said the postponement would afford the commission the opportunity to address the identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of Nigeria’s elections
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the postponement of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disrupted the economy causing colossal losses.
Also speaking to NAN, Moses Igbrude, publicity secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the postponement of the presidential election on the same day of the election was un- fortunate.
Igbrude said the postponement was unacceptable and should be condemned in its entirety.
He said the shift would create uncertainty and doubt on the ability of the commission to conduct free and fair polls.
Igbrude said the development would create economic waste and untold hardship to the electorate, noting that, many people had trav- elled to various locations to exercise their civic responsibility.
He decried the effect of economic waste the postponement would have on state governments, private businesses and foreign and local election observers.
Igbrude added that some state governments had declared work- free days while some organisations worked for a half-day in order to prepare for the elections.
“This action will surely frustrate and discourage the electorate from voting. I sincerely appeal to INEC and President Muhammadu Buhari not to throw Nigeria into problem.
“They should make sure that they conduct elections that will be free and acceptable to everybody,” Igbrude stated.
He, however, appealed to voters to be calm and ensure they perform their civic responsibilities.
This action will surely frustrate and discourage the electorate from voting