Opinion: Nigerian Elections in 2019, is this another 419?

People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election.”Otto von Bismark

Well, again, just like in previous elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed hours in advance of the supposed polls for the General Election, which was supposed to happen today in Nigeria. The INEC have postponed it until the 23rd February 2019. That is just another week.

I’m not awaiting a Nigerian Prince offering a big million price, if the International Community sends money to finalize the operations of this General Election. The INEC surely has their reasons. They did the same in 2015, when the scheduled elections was supposed to be held on the 14th February 2015, but instead was done on the 28th March 2015. This was the elections for the National Assembly and Presidential Elections. The other polls was on other dates, but held later, than previously broadcast. Therefore, the Nigerians has seen this before. Like it also saw in 2011, when on the eve of the National Assembly Election on the 2nd April 2011, the INEC postpone the elections, which was scheduled for 2nd April and 9th April for the Presidential Election. These was postpone to the 9th April 2011 and 16th April 2011. They we’re doing the same they did today. Postpone the elections one week on the eve of the General Elections. This is a tactic and staged affair. Clearly, they are doing the same as they have done before. Since, they have prepared it all, but still has to postpone the polls.

As we havvev seen it before, we can wonder if this a 419 from the INEC. If they are rigging or fixing the results and needs more time. As I have even seen spreadsheet of results of the 2019 Elections. They are surely not proclaimed or the real deal, but that initiate speculations and questionable affairs behind the scenes.

That the incumbent President Buhari states this too, doesn’t help the concerned: “I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement. Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered. INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them. This administration has ensured that we do not interfere in any way with the work of INEC except to ensure that all funds were released to the commission” (Buhari, 16.02.2019).

While he was busy stating that, others had this to say: “Events surrounding the postponement of the Nigerian presidential elections previously scheduled for today February 16, 2019 is confirmation that IPOB decision to lift the boycott was a masterstroke that took the cabal by surprise. The move by IPOB apex leadership to call off the boycott made it virtually impossible for Jubril and his handlers to proceed to rig the elections on the account that IPOB boycotted the polls. It is now clear for the world to see that some nefarious elements within the corridors of power in Aso Rock wanted so desperately for IPOB to boycott these elections in order to justify their already perfected script that our boycott made it possible for them to emerge victorious. By calling off the boycott, Jubril and his cabal lost the initiative and were headed straight for defeat” (IPOB – ‘IPOB Press Statement: The Fear Of IPOB Is The Beginning Of Wisdom’ 16.02.2019).

Also, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG) stated this: “At about 0250 hours today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the postponement of the 2019 general elections by one week. This was announced in a short press briefing by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman. The announcement came just a few hours to the opening of polls. You may recall of similar postponement by 5 weeks towards the 2015 general elections.

The reasons for the postponement according to the INEC Chairman is based on logistical reasons which should be reviewed and the need to conduct a free, fair and credible elections and consequently, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on the 23rd of February, 2019 while governorship, state houses of assembly and FCT Council elections will now hold on the 9th of March 2019. CTA recognises that this is not the best of times for INEC, the Civil Society and citizens who have invested time and resources to make this election happen. In our opinion, this postponement is in the best interest of the country rather than having staggered elections which would not have guaranteed a free, fair and credible election. We note the challenges that INEC has to surmount such as; the recent burning of INEC offices and materials in some parts of the country and reports of disappearance of sensitive materials, deployment of adhoc staff, and other such challenges that would have marred the credibility and outcome of the 2019 general elections. We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and not be deterred by this necessary set back towards getting it right. CTA recalls that” (ISDMG, 16.02.2019)-

While Buhari is sorry for the inconvinence is sparks by postponing it. The IPOB says this stops the possible charade and rigging machine of him. While the ISDMG thinks this secures the logistics and procedural needs for the upcoming elections. The stark contrast between the President, Opposition of Biafra and the Civil Society is striking. They are living worlds apart, but sharing the same news from the Electoral Body. That is very unique and special. They are all receiving the same news and statements from the INEC, but they are seeing it with a whole different perspective.

There is also statements going back and fourth between the Presidents own Party the APC who claims the PDP is up to something, while the PDP claims the APC is up to something. We all know what that something is, that is the rule of thumb, which in this instance is the famous electoral rigging. Securing a victory without counting the ballots properly or announcing the real results. But announcing and proclaiming forged results in your favour. That is what the APC Party does and what the PDP are doing too.

Which is why a person like me, an total outsider, wonder if this whole is just another 419. Another scam. Another play for the gallery to get legitimacy and secure the man in-charge. To get the validated post and office and screw over the citizens. That all parties are just playing along. Awaiting their pay-check and possible kick-backs, while the citizens are made a fool. However, that is just me. Carry-on, please, Peace.

RDC: Haut-Lomami lettre a objet: “demande d’obtenir le palement en avance sur les droits, taxes et redevances dus la Province” (01.02.2019)

Nigeria: INEC Reschedules 2019 General Elections (16.02.2019)

USA: House Judiciary Committee. Democrats announce “immediate investigation” into President Trump’s national emergency declaration (15.02.2019)

IGAD Chief Welcomes Call by AU for Cancellation of Somalia Debt (15.02.2019)

African Union: Communique on the 827th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on AMISOM CONOPs (13.02.2019)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Communique Officiel (15.02.2019)

Russian Probe: USA v. Roger Stone Jr. – Order (15.02.2019)

USA: President Donald J. Trump – Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Southern Border of United States (15.02.2019)

Opinion: Trump’s forged “National Emergency” on the Southern Border!

Emergencies” have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have eroded.” Friedrich Hayek

Not like facts are important for the Republican Party or the GOP, they have been swallowed in the daily lies of the President and his Administration. President Donald J. Trump is a not only a serial liar in Chief, but also the sort of man that manufactures crisis to his benefits. At least, the President tries to do it. At a phase that is getting into stupid levels.

President Trump have in today’s White House statement ‘President Donald J. Trump’s Border Security Victory’ said: “NATIONAL EMERGENCY ON OUR BORDER: The President is using his clear authority to declare a national emergency as allowed under the National Emergencies Act” (…) “ADDRESSING THE CRISIS AT HAND: President Trump is taking the necessary steps to address the crisis at our Southern Border and stop crime and drugs from flooding into our Nation” (White House, 15.02.2019).

As the President does this and claims this problem, as he wants to use illegitimate measures against something that is not existing and especially not to the extent he claims. Because, the reality is that the numbers game are showing a decline of immigration during the latests year.

The U.S. Border Patrol at the Southwest Border Sectors has shown a steady decline in the apprehension of illegal aliens on the border. Between the 1990 to 2001, there was over a 1 million aliens crossing the borders. For two years, it was just over 900.00 between 2002-2003. While again between 2003 to 2005, there was over 1 million aliens captured again. By the time of 2009, there was apprehended less than 500,000 on the border. By the time of 2017, it was down to 303,000 who was apprehended. Therefore, the numbers are already significantly declining and that was even happening in the first whole year of the Trump Administration. Still, he has spawn this idea of a border wall and need. Will change the pattern and the crossing of illegal aliens.

So, when the President in his statement even claims the arrest of 260,000 in the last two fiscal years. That even proves how fake this National Emergency is. If it had been as in the 1990s or even 00s. Than, the numbers was striking and as high as they ever been. Now, they are lower and showing that the President are just using his Executive Powers just for his own means. Not to make a better republic, nor justifying it. As, the ones who was President during the 1990s like Bill Clinton had a much bigger issue with this, than President Trump ever has. Also, the first term of George W. Bush was even worse than now. Still, the others tackled this differently.

However, none of the other mentioned President was spreading the message of the Alt-Right, the White Supremacists or being irrational in the office. That is just the way this man is. He is playing another con-game and thinking he can win. He is thinking he can win over the forged, the fake and use emergency powers to extend his will for a border wall. Against problems that is not there. So, he can fight ghosts and make his monument of his Presidency. Even if the real monument of his Presidency, is that he faked and didn’t make it. He has just weaken the state and the ability for the United States to be trusted.

President Trump is again showing how ignorant, how blatantly destructive he is. Fabricating a problem. Just like the President tried to fabricate a problematic migration caravan during the recent election last year. But he has not been kicking and screaming about that of late. That, because it isn’t a real problem and seeking asylum isn’t illegal. President Trump own family is filled with migrants and his own wives are it too. So, he should be a bit more grateful about that. Apparently, his arrogance and little mind isn’t able to think of that.

That is why he is faking it, until his making it. Peace.