PRESS STATEMENT – MARCH TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO DEMAND THAT THE ENTIRE BUDGET FOR THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS IS APPROVED ON OR BEFORE 18TH SEPTEMBER 2018

#passthe2019electionsbudgetnow

Press STATEMENT – MARCH TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO DEMAND THAT THE ENTIRE BUDGET FOR THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS IS APPROVED ON OR BEFORE 18^TH SEPTEMBER 2018

-          10^th SEPTEMBER 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Election Monitor has issued two press statements (16^th and 30^th August 2018) shedding light on the implications of delaying the passage of the 2019 Nigerian General Elections. With just 159 days to go till the first set of elections slated for 16th February 2019, Election Monitor and The Movement for Transparent Elections is acutely concerned alongside many Nigerians that the budget for the General Elections is yet to be passed despite the fact that the request for it was submitted two months ago.

It’s quite unfortunate and completely unacceptable that the National Assembly is even considering postponing its resumption till the second week in October 2018 because its members are going to take part in political party primaries. What's the logic in going for primaries and refusing to conclusively approve the budget for the same election they wish to participate it in?

Nigerians need to ask the following questions:

• ·         Why is it taking so long for the National Assembly to pass the 2019 General Elections budget? 
• ·         What are the implications of further delay in passing the budget?
• ·   Since the elections kicked off on the 17^th August 2018, why is the National Assembly not considering the budget for the security agencies as well?

It is very clear that there is no urgency to pass the budget for the 2019 General Elections despite the political party primary window has been open for 3 weeks. Election Monitor wants to remind all members of the National Assembly that they were elected to serve in the best interest of Nigerians. INEC has an approved Election Project Plan (EPP) which guides it in effective election implementation. With the current and proposed delays it would be arduous if at all possible to meet all necessary benchmarks within the required timelines. Therefore there must be no further delay! The current intentional delay of approving the general elections budget is precarious for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

Election Monitor and The Movement for Transparent Elections is calling on all well meaning Nigerians to come out for a peaceful march to the National Assembly by 8am on Thursday 13th September 2018 to demand that the 2019 General Elections budget is passed on or before the 18th September 2018. Take off point is Unity Fountain Abuja.

The Dress Code is white with a touch of green (green cap, hat etc). You should bring a Nigerian flag (any size is ok) as well if you can get one.

Kindly watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdGs8L_qgJI&feature=youtu.be or search #passthe2019electionsbudgetnow on YouTube.

The Movement for Transparent Elections warns that if there is further delay in passing and releasing the 2019 Elections budget beyond the 18^th September 2018, then we would call on Nigerians from all walks of life to embark on sustained protests daily and simultaneously nationwide until the whole election budget is passed and released to INEC.

It is germane to remember that Nigeria is greater than any individual or group of persons.   Those that feel that they are greater than Nigeria should remember that there is a day of reckoning for everyone.

We want all Nigerians to know that our nation will triumph and overcome every agenda and attempt to truncate the hard-fought democracy so many have paid the ultimate price for. The people shall prevail!

Long live Nigeria!!!

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed

Abiodun Ajijola

Convener