A group, Coalition of Patriots, has called on Nigerians to support the use of Smart Card Readers(SMRs) for the forthcoming re- scheduled general elections to give credibility to the poll.
It said opposition to the machines had given the impression to the international community that Nigeria was a country of people who could not change from their cheating way.
This was contained in a communique issued after its meeting in Akure, the Ondo state capital,at the weekend.
The communique which was signed by Ifesanmi Akinwoye, Wemimo Falana, Pastor Funmi Agagu, Nelson Mafo, Olajide Ajayi and Elder Adamu, warned opponents of the machines to desist from disgracing the country.
They noted that the use of card readers was a good innovation and in line with global practices.
The group said the innovation should be encouraged since it would ensure credible and transparent election
It warned against another postponement of the elections, commended efforts of the military at restoring life back to the north eastern region which had been under the attacks of Boko Haram in the past six years.
The group however said there was nothing wrong with the deployment of soldiers to provide security during the elections only if they could not be used to intimidate members of the opposition.
