Polls: We are ready, Mark tells international community

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has assured the international community that Nigeria is prepared for a smooth, transparent and peaceful conduct of the elections.
Mark dismissed insinuations that the present administration is ill-prepared for the elections.
He said the initial postponement was necessitated by hitherto security challenges and shortcomings in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards.
Exchanging views with the visiting Ireland Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Sean Hoy, in Abuja on Thursday, Senator Mark said Nigeria is conscious of the impression of the international community on the nation and would not do anything to undermine national interest.
Senator Mark wondered what would have been the outcome of the polls if elections were held on February 14 when over 23 million Nigerians were yet to get their PVCs.
He said the postponement was the needed respite for the electoral umpire and the security operatives to put things in correct perspective before the conduct of the elections. Senator Mark stated: “For now, things have positively improved and Nigerians are happy that the coast is clear for the conduct of credible elections that would be acceptable and in conformity with international standard.
“All stakeholders are pleased with the development and I am sure the outcome of the polls would reflect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.”
Mark therefore implored the international community to show understanding and cooperation with Nigeria to actualise smooth and credible elections.
Senator Mark craved for improved economic, scientific and educational ties between Nigeria and Ireland.
Responding, Hoy said Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the global community, a development that informed the keen interest in the affairs of Nigeria.
Ambassador Hoy recalled bilateral ties between Ireland and Nigeria over the years, pointing out that about 40,000 Nigerians currently live in Ireland.
He pledged his continuous cooperation and support to Nigeria towards the conduct of 2015 polls.