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My Fears For Yakubu’s INEC …Of Partisanship, Bias, Untrustworthiness
When the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency appointed renowned academic, frontline civil rights crusader and unrepentant apostle of democracy. Professor Attahiru Jega, as electoral umpire, the political plane in Nigeria agreed that the nation’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would indeed be independent. Adjudged too forthright, no government, anxious to hang-on to power, would have risked considering Jega as first choice.
But because President Jonathan wanted to institutionalize true democracy, even at great risk to his re-election bid, he listened to public opinion which, at the time weighed overwhelmingly in favour of Jega, and went on to make the pronouncement.
The appointment of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu failed to attract that measure of public acceptance. Infact, his, seemed an after-thought when, first attempt by the Muhammadu Buhari’s Prsidency to impose a relation, Amina Zakari attracted fierce public criticism of unimaginable kind. It also revealed the obvious signs that Buhari would not be as ‘careless’ about power, as did Jonathan, to allow INEC be run by an ‘outsider’. If not, being a southerner, since Jonathan appointed a Northerner as INEC Chairman, Buhari was under moral obligation to appoint a Southerner, for purposes of balance.
When Jega exited the office, he handed over to the next most senior, Ambassador Ahmed Wali, as Acting Chairman, but upon assumption of office, Buhari quickly chose a relation in INEC, Hajiya Amina Zakari as Acting Chairman amidst public uproar. It was in her replacement that Prof. Yakubu emerged as INEC Chair without any contributions by the Nigerian public as was the case with Prof. Jega’s appointment.
The immediate implication is the fear that Yakubu may well be working only for the interest of his appointer and not for the furtherance of democracy as was the case with Prof. Jega. Many indeed voiced skepticism over the needed neutrality of Yakubu and the possibility to defend electoral victory against his appointor’s party.
Public fears were proved right, when, within a short time, every election not won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared inconclusive but those won by APC, conclusive, even in similar circumstances.
From Kogi to Bayelsa, and Rivers the same pattern of obvious partisanship ran through. When elections were seen going the way of the opposition, a make-belief violent atmosphere is conjured and those elections declared inconclusive for security reasons, to enable the APC more time to replan.
It is often said that one can fool some of the people all the time or even all of the people some of the time, but surely not all the people all the time. This is what INEC’s criminal delay of rerun elections, for Rivers State and subsequent Senate reproach clearly magnifies. INEC bought time, repeatedly claiming insecurity in Rivers as reason for its inability to conduct credible elections, while in fact it was because, its attempts to subvert the people’s will was resisted by voters in every step, even with the deployment of armed security in questionable numbers.
The Ruling APC has never hidden its desperation to control oil-producing states like Akwa Ibom, Edo, Rivers and Delta States. Infact, when the Supreme Court delivered judgement on Governorship polls on both Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, APC Chairman, Chief John Oyegun seemed heartbroken, and was quoted as saying, even with the fall in oil prices, Rivers and Akwa Ibom are not states we should lose to PDP.
With the governorship lost, and legislative seats in Rivers thrown open and up for grabs, by the in Appeal Court ruling, APC’s hopes of controlling the state, by winning majority seats in the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly and using that to ultimately unseat the elected PDP Governor, Nyesom Wike, was rekindled. That indeed was the calculation of both INEC and APC before the rerun of March 19, 2016.
To the shock of INEC, 10 out of 11 early results of election into the State House of Assembly went the way of PDP and with leads, in nearly all the remaining 21 others. Did that inform INEC’s declaration of those election inconclusive, only to over-dramatize violence, violence not worse than that in Sambisa Forest where, Jega’s INEC conducted elections in 2015?
The same signs followed elections into the three Senatorial seats, and those of 21 House of Representatives. With early favourable results and massive turn-out of Rivers people even in the face of the over militarization of the electoral preccints, it was made very clear that the APC could not win the rerun.
Sadly, after declaring the polls inconclusive, INEC did not see the urgency to conclude its work in Rivers. Meanwhile, for the purpose of the election INEC had carried-out a questionable re-posting of personnel which returned back to the State, the INEC Commissioner, who ran the state office under former Governor Amaechi in office. Did that suggest anything?
What informed that posting just days before the re-run? What special job was the Akwa Ibom Elder brought back to conclude, that he didn’t before he was transferred out of the State?
But most annoying was the reported threat by a leader of the APC that since his party was denied the governorship, he would see how Rivers will be represented in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A case of the dog in a manger, ‘if cannot get it, nobody else should’.
True to that threat, INEC did not find any urgency in concluding elections to guarantee Rivers representation in the National Assembly. That was in spite of the fact that the PDP had swept nearly all House of Assembly, Senate and Representatives seats in the 2015 polls, but were reprieved by the Appeal Court ruling of December 11, last year.
That ruling had unseated the three Senators, all elected on the PDP platform, 12 House of Representatives members also of the PDP and a huge majority of State House of Assembly members. With the eventual re-run of March 19, 2016 producing 10 out 11 PDP seats, as many as 21 seats are yet to be filled.
That indeed was not only immoral on the part of INEC, it amounted to a grievous breach of the Constitution which emphasizes equal and adequate representation of all states in the Senate (Three each) and of the House of Representatives, according to Federal Constituencies.
The economic and socio-political denial stemming from INEC’s refusal to conduct elections in a timely fashion, as directed by the Appeal Court, is indeed huge, retrogressive and undemocratic. Yet Yakubu’s INEC felt unperturbed, even with repeated appeals and protestations by the Rivers government.
It is indeed condemnable that INEC would allow itself to be used in making Rivers a constant theatre of war, using inconclusive elections as excuse, and rather than claim failure, blames its ineptitude and obvious partisanship on security challenges.
Is not a shame that it would take the intervention of the Senate for INEC to quickly take a December 10 date for another rerun it has politicized for months, just to deny Rivers people their due? This is indeed why many are curious about what INEC hopes to achieve with the Rivers elections this time around.
Some have even asked: “If Rivers State’s governor were APC, all Senators elected were APC and all the House Assembly seats declared vacant were originally won by APC, and also enjoys the amount of support the Wike-led PDP in the State enjoys, will INEC delay any re-run even if Boko Haram were operating in the State? From the Presidential elections to the State Assembly polls, a pattern runs through, that majority of Rivers people are pro-PDP. Expanded further, the same state has also been governed by the same party since 1999 and without jerrimandering of a criminal kind, the support cannot turn APC over-night.
Besides, within his very short period in office, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, has through massive infrastructural development drive, further endeared himself and his party to the people, which makes rigging of the elections very difficult, event with battalions of armed men.
That is the reality on ground. A reality INEC seems reluctant to behold and has instead been moving against the tide by resorting to partisanship, criminal denial and delay tactics to buy time for a possible reversal of fortunes.
These are why many are uncomfortable with a Yakubu-led INEC conducting a free, fair and credible re-run. And worse still, a national election that would equal that by Prof. Jega’s INEC by half.
My Agony is that a Federal Government that assumed power on the foundation of true democracy, found no reason to call INEC to order all these days even in the face of obvious denial of justice. Instead, it took a pro-active Senate to rekindle the people’s hope for democracy, no matter discomforting the day gone had been.
If I were Prof Yakubu, with so much disapproval by the people and questions raised about my neutrality, I would disqualify myself by resigning honourably, as did members of the bench in Ondo.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Nigeria needs God-fearing leaders for the nation to move in the right direction and make meaningful progress.
The Governor stated this yesterday when he received in audience, the World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler; his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler; daughter Mariana Marques Kohler and a retinue of ministers of the church at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara who hailed the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions to education and the grooming of future leaders in Nigeria, expressed delight that the Church had over the years, been investing in education at various levels and currently runs two universities in the country.
He commended the church for not only using its institutions to spread the gospel of Christianity but to groom future leaders for the country.
According to him, religion should not be just about defending one’s faith, but also making meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
He said that by floating these educational institutions, the church has demonstrated capacity to support Nigeria in the task of producing not only educated people but a breed of God-fearing leaders.
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line and that is what has brought us to where we are today.
“So, I feel very happy that you are contributing to the development of our future leaders in this country. We need the right people being in the right place; prepared properly with good minds; that is what we need, not just in Nigeria but round the whole world.,” he said.
Governor Fubara further observed that the absence of God-fearing people in high places to take the right decisions that could impact positively on the society, has also given rise to other problems such as social inequality, poverty, corruption and criminality. According to him, Nigeria needs a system where the average parent could afford quality education for their children and a guarantee that upon graduation, the average child will have the capacity to compete favourably with anybody, anywhere in the world.
“If we have a situation where the little money that you’re being paid as wage can also afford you quality healthcare and after working at least for 15-20 years, you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime? At that point, you’ll feel secured and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to all the social vices we have today won’t be there,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and for their prayers for Rivers State, assuring them of his continued support for their programmes in the state.
Leader of the delegation and World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler said he was in Nigeria for a special conference of the church during which thousands of the church’s ministers will be undergoing an empowerment programme to further equip them for the task of herding their flocks and serving the society.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his entourage, saying the memory of the visit will linger in his mind for a lifetime.
Kohler disclosed that the Church has over twenty -four million (24,000,000) members and more than 182,000 places of worship, spread across 212 countries of the world.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.
The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.
Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.
Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.
He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.
The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.
During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.
The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.
Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.
Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.
The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.
According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.
Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.
The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.
King Onunwor
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JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.