INEC Backs Six-Year Single Term

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has thrown its weight behind the six years term proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan which has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State Mr Aneidi Ikoiwak who stated this Thursday  when he received an award of excellence from the Joint Assembly of Rivers Youths, said the proposal has its merits and demerits that should be given a chance.

According to him, “the idea of one single term of six years is a good idea, it has advantages and disadvantages”, stressing that some elected officers may want to use the single tenure to loot the treasury, but it would reduce godfatherism in politics.

Mr Ikoiwak also advocated that the National Assembly should make the process of recall more flexible to infuse fear on the executives to work for the development of their states.

He remarked that the provision to recall non-performing executive should not be rigorous but flexible, emphasizing that it would help to discourage corruption in the system.

Rivers INEC boss, advised that the federal lawmakers should provide in the constitution a provision to allow the people use simple majority of electorates to recall any non-performing governor.

He equally suggested the setting up of a commission to handle cases of electorate offences, as the regular courts are congested, noting that if people are not punished for the wrongs they do, the society will breed lawlessness.

To make future election better is to identify those that committed electoral offences during last elections and get them punished, he declared, adding that the exercise would go a long way to deepen the gains of democracy in Nigeria.

Earlier, the president of Joint Assembly of Rivers Youths Mr Gashon Bobmanuel Acho, said the body decided to honour Mr Aneidi Ikoiwak because of his hardwork in conducting a free, fair and credible election in Rivers State.

Mr Acho explained that Rivers INEC leadership was exemplary in being an umpire, noting that during the elections their  members monitored proceedings and observed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner was in touch with all the local government areas.