‘Only hidden agenda, not insecurity, can stop 2015’

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

Following alleged threats to hold the 2015 general election as scheduled as a result of the prevailing insecurity in the North east due to the activities of the Boko Haram sect, Sen. Ali Ndume (Borno South) has said that only a hidden agenda could halt the election.

Ndume who spoke on the Hausa Service of the BBC monitored in Jos yesterday said, deliberating on whether there would be election or not in 2015 because of the prevailing insurgency in the North-East, means the end Boko Haram siege in the area is not at sight, adding that if there was good intention to bring an end to insurgency in the area then there was no need to even deliberate on stopping the upcoming election.

He said, “If at this moment you say there will be no election in 2015, it means you don’t have the intention of ending the insurgency in the affected states. In fact there should be no reason to discuss that if you wanted to wipe out the dreaded sect. But it is possible to say that if there is a hidden agenda”.

Ndume however said the power and the success of Mr. President to seek for six months extension of time because a part of the country was at war depends on the approval of the National Assembly, saying that it was the wish of the people that would determine whether to approve the request or not, adding that Nigerians should not get worried as they were there (National Assembly) to protect the interest of the masses.

He said, “Mr. President’s power to add six months extension of time in office depends on our approval in the National Assembly. He can’t do it himself ultimately. We have to agree based on the wishes of the people of our constituencies. So people should not worry themselves. We know how to handle the issue if comes the House.

Ndume further explained that there was enough time to deal with and end the activities of Boko Haram before election period if really meant, saying that nothing would bring hitch to the conduct of the 2015 general election.