IPAC kicks as Yobe shifts LG elections to next year

Dr. Mammman, YBSIEC Boss

By JOE Hemba, Damaturu

 The Inter Party Advisory Council(IPAC), Yobe State chapter says it does not support the postponement of the Local Government election in the State to February next year. 

 The Yobe State Chairman of IPAC Umar Mohammed Kukuri while fielding question from journalists in Damaturu said the decision of the electoral body in the state does not have the blessing of his members but promised to come up with a decision after the executive members in the state have met.

 “At the moment, I cannot give you a definite answer on the decision of IPAC in the state on the shifting of the date for the election next year by the State Independent Electoral Committee. We cant say we are confortable with the decision until we meet as executive, inform our members and take a decision on the matter to communicate to you people and the public,” Kukuri said. 

IMPACTONLINENIGERIA  reported that Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission had announced that local government elections will be conducted in the state on December 5, 2020.

 But in a twist, the Chairman of the Electoral body, Dr. Mamman Mohammed yesterday announced a shift in the election attributing it to a surge in COVID 19 cases in the state.

 “On 4 of September, 2020. I released the schedule of activities for the Local Government council elections fixed for the 5th December, 2020 as the date of election.

 “On that day, I stated our preparedness to conduct the elections in substantial compliance with the COVID -19 protocols and guidelines as prescribed by WHO

 “Regrettably, our State has recently recorded a slight resurgence of the COVID-19 with the two cases confirmed”, he said.

 Dr. Mamman explained that the resurgence of the two cases of covid 19 has forced the commission to shift the elections in the state so as to safeguard the lives of the people of the state, stressing  that, “Yobe state government is on top of the situation and the State Ministry of Health has taken positive steps to identify and isolate persons who have been in contact with the incidence cases”.

 He added that, “after due consultation with our critical stakeholders, we are Complied to readjust the date of our proposed elections to prevent the spread of escalation of the incidence of manifestation in Yobe State. The need to be proactive in saving one life in Yobe State is a compelling and is a cogent reason to reschedule the date of this election in accordance with the law of the elections. 

" Consequently, our local government Councils election earlier scheduled for 5Th December, 2020 is hereby shifted to hold on 27th February, 2021. A new schedule of election activities is being reviewed and will be released very soon. It will provide armful time for primaries and other election requirement for qualification of candidates,” Dr. Mamman announced.

IMPACTONLINENIGERIA  checks revealed that Yobe's corona virus burden is 75 cases with both 8 death and 8 active cases with 59 persons discharged compared to Edo State that has over 2000 cases but held an election less than a week ago.

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