Date: 2014-10-09

Attention of Senator Bukola Saraki has been drawn to a statement credited Chairman Senate committee on inec Senator Andy Uba. Senator Saraki will like to state clearly that at no time did the Senate as a whole debated on the suspension of the creation of new polling units and the comment at best are the personal views of Senator Andy Uba. Senator Saraki will like to state clearly that as legislators, the same way we clamoured for politicians not to interfere with the Nigerian Police Force as an independent body should not interfere with INEC

In the last few years, Nigeria's electoral process has been witnessing salient changes; to a high level, candidates and masses are certain that elections will be won based on votes casted an counted legally, this is a development that we must commend the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega.

This development does not only give confidence to electorates, it also compels political office holders to perform in order to avoid been voted out; these are good developments for our democracy as a nation. This has been seen in recent elections like Osun election where the voices of the people was heard through their votes.

However, as more developments are been introduced into the electoral system to ensure a more patterned and transparent election in 2015; it's important not to ting or handle electoral processes politically.

As discussions are ongoing about the cancellation of new polling units created across the country, we must note that this must be the opinion of INEC as an independent organization and not that of the Senate committee on Electoral matters. The position taken on the cancellation of the new polling units is a personal one and not that of the entire Senate as the Senate is yet to discuss this in the hallowed chamber

With due respect to the Chairman of Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Andy Uba who is my good friend, Politicians must allow the INEC to remain an Independent body and not interfere in situation that will compromise the electoral body.

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, I urge INEC to maintain its credibility by holding strong to the founding tenets of the organization which is independent of any political group or party. I also urge the organization to ensure it puts in all effort to ensure 2015 elections emerge the best on ground of transparency, independence and fairness.

Signed,

Senator Bukola Saraki