MAY 29 HANDOVER DATE STANDS -JONATHAN

The Goodluck Jonathan/Namadi Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation has carpeted the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole over his declaration to stage a protest, if the Federal Government reneges on the May 29, 2011 handover date.

A statement signed by Sully Abu, Director of Media and Publicity of the Jonathan Campaign Organization expressed disappointment over the statement credited to the governor.

The statement reads: 'We are taken aback by the largely speculative statements by Oshiomhole and the impression created that the request for more time by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was masterminded by the Federal Government.

We condemn the attempt by Oshiomhole to tag the President and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government with the brush of complicity in the call for polls shift by the electoral body. President Jonathan and the Nigerian people are committed to the May 29 handover date and nothing is being done to compromise that.'

Abu noted that all the major political parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), were in favour of a shift in date to allow INEC more time to deliver on its promise of a free and fair election in 2011.

'Much as we believe in the capacity of the INEC to deliver on credible elections at all levels, we urge Governor Oshiomole to desist from playing politics with serious issues.

Following the request by the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, the President has ordered the release of the N87 billion requested by INEC; he has also signed the amended Electoral Act 2010, despite some reservations.

'How else could government had demonstrated good faith? Oshiomole's attempt to insinuate ulterior motives in the present circumstance is simply preposterous,' the Jonathan group submitted.