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The (Re) Election Of Prof Iwu …As The Umpire Scrambles For Votes
The return from your work must be the satisfaction which that work brings you and the world’s need of that work. Without this work… which the world does not need- this life is hell.
William E. D.D Bois
(To His Newborn Great-Grandson)
By June, this year, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu would have served out his tenure and ought to start preparing to walk away, shoulders high or crest fallen. The choice he makes shall depend largely on the outcome of his on-going ‘re-electioneering campaign’ and those of many other Nigerians battling to truncate his ambition of superintending the next series of elections, billed for next year.
Iwu did not require campaign posters, paid or unpaid supporters, rallies, newspaper advertorials and sponsored or unsponsored public speeches by notable Nigerians about his very impressive credentials, before former President Olusegun Obasanjo graciously named him Chief Umpire of the 2007 elections. But from all indications, he does now, if only to retain that plum job.
Worried sick that the much trumpeted electoral reforms may truncate his, now very obvious campaigns for re-appointment, Prof. Iwu has demonstrated, in my view, a regrettable measure of desperation not expected of an umpire of not a school soccer competition, but one to determine the future, fate and fortunes of a country of over 150 million citizens.
In that capacity, Iwu will again be expected to decide who should be disenfranchised or not and those who must aspire to any office or not, no matter how popular such a politician may be among members of his constituency. In the process leading to 2007 elections, the fear of Iwu, among ambitious politicians, was the beginning of wisdom. He, along with the powers that be determined faces that should not appear on national television as electable, but if they must be seen on pages of newspapers at all, it must be as ‘DISCLAIMER’ by the Nigerian state, which Iwu represented. So despicable was the process that duly elected candidates on various party platforms got turned back and were replaced by sorry substituted with strange names on the instructions of, many believed, the Presidency, his employers.
Infact, there were instances when, many repeatedly accused Iwu’s INEC of bending the rules in favour of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to allow for replacement of questionably disqualified candidates with new ones, even after the timeline that was legally permitted for such changes. In other circumstances, candidates duly elected by parties at their official primaries and which INEC directly monitored, were denied accreditation by the electoral body because the party that elected them in the first place had a rethink and simply wrote in to say that the earlier name forwarded to it was “done in error”. Even when the electoral laws insisted on cogent and verifiable reasons for such change, Iwu’s INEC did the opposite.
For such acts of omission and commission, men like Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi went through hell before getting justice from the nation’s highest arbiter-the Supreme Court. Others who could not brave the odds against such risky legal voyage berthed and prayed for the unfriendly referee’s tenure to elapse before contemplating any new electoral move.
If the processes leading to the elections were flawed, the elections themselves were a huge failure, a disgrace to Nigeria and above all huge shame in the eyes of the international community. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), whose members also monitored the elections along with other volunteers described it as less than credible, violence-prone and unacceptable. These are to put them lightly.
Infact, there were instances when, the official result sheets of an election got to a given party weeks before the election, to enable it prepare results before the official date. It reminds me of former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili’s second term election, when, more than the registered list of voters in Rivers State miraculously turned out to vote their beloved governor.
When the dust died down an ever so eleoquent, and grateful Governor Odili told an assembly of Labour activists on May Day, in 2003, “I thank you for voting massively for me” and joked in pidgin English, but ona nearly put me for trouble-o, in veiled reference to the truth of over-voting.
All the attempts by one of Odili’s embattled opponents, Chief Sergent Awuse to display facts and figures, using voters registers to prove, where, voting did not take place, in addition to brandishing unstamped voters cards, but whose holders were believed to be part of the victory march, came to naughts.
Under Iwu’s watch however, names like Ban Ki Moon, Oliver Tambo, Bill Clinton, Sarah Bush, Late Saddam Hussein, Late Adaka Boro, Late Sani Abacha and even Cocoanut Island, appeared on voters registers, as members of the Nigerian electorate and there are no valid proofs that anything has changed. So disgraceful, some candidate even won an election while in prison custody.
Generally, the elections were believed to have been rigged in favour of the highest bidders, seating executives and at other times, Iwu’s power House clearly, played out the ruling party’s script. In clear terms, INEC, under Iwu’s watch, in the view of most Nigerians, failed to exercise the independence of an electoral umpire and that I agree greatly affected the credibility that ought to have been ascribed to an election of the kind.
How then, can one with such depleted credibility; one believed to have compromised positive discretion when most needed and one whose judgements on elections were roundly criticised and upturned by various courts of law as immoral and unjust, be depended upon to supervise yet another general elections? In 2011?
This consideration, without doubt, accounted for the March on Abuja, penultimate Wednesday, by organised Labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with the warning of a nationwide strike, should the Presidency re-appoint the embattled professor. Tagged, “March Against Our Common Enemy- Election wuruwuru,” the NLC rally urged government never to contemplate Iwu’s re-appointment.
Strangely, not ready to sit by, and be out-done without a fight, the supposed umpire, it appears to me, is all out seeking support of notable Nigerians, singers, drummers and T-shirt and face Cap loving youths to counter the huge opposition to his re-election, sorry possible re-appointment.
For the same reasons, Iwu met with those who matter at the National Assembly, first on March 11 and then on March 19, this year and where, he virtually sought their understanding and eventual re-consideration. That save-my-job tour, many fear, might have had little to do with the controversial Senate decision, to leave, with the Presidency, power to appoint an INEC chairman, against the suggestion by the Uwais Electoral Reforms Commission. But I disagree, although, mine hardly matters.
As if that was not serious enough, an obviously pro-Iwu praise singing ensemble by the stage-name, Alliance for Defence of Democracy and led by one Ikenga (not the famous Ikpokirikpo Crooner) but one with Imo Ugochinyere surname, staged a walk to the same National Assembly that Iwu, had visited earlier to, protest against the removal of the professor. For a job well-done?
Seriously, the appointment of an electoral umpire ought not be subject of these kind of controversy, because in the hands of such an appointee rests the destiny of a nation, her credibility and respect in the comity of nations.
With the grandstanding thus far demonstrated by Prof. Iwu, the respect for a thankless national service, which chairmanship of an Independent National Electoral Commission ought to earn, seems replaced by a desperation grounded in personal desires and appetites. An individual with such appetites to protect deserves not a chance to seat in judgement over the fate of others.
My Agony is that the Senate has inadvertently, played into Iwu’s hands and narrowed down what should have been a rich list of honest, nationalistic and credible Nigerians to choose from, if screened by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and re-examined by the Council of State before forwarding the likely choice or choices for confirmation by the National Assembly, as demanded by many Nigerians.
The argument by arrow-heads of the senate to the effect that even some judges appointed by the NJC are also not above board Methinks, begs the question. That, one of two judges failed to impress the senators does not remove the importance and urgency of a country still rebranding to have a properly independent electoral commission, selected from the best, by all three arms of government, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.
In that way, such an appointee will not bend the rules in favour of a party through the issuance of advance copies of election result, sheets, to be completed and returned as valid on Election Day.
It is the failure of that noble move to insulate INEC from the Presidency, thanks to the senate, that has encouraged Iwu to continue his open re-election campaign. I think the Presidency should reject him. And fast too.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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