INEC storms America
ACHO ORABUCHI
Dallas, Texas
Thursday, May 4, 2006
In
a USA visit that would take the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
team led by Prof. Maurice Iwu to many US cities, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Iwu
would be faced with the daunted task of trying to erase the dark shadows of the
2003 elections that seemed to invoke negative memories of the then Dr. Abel
Guobadia-led Commission.
His first stop was in New Jersey on Saturday, April 29, 2006 on the occasion of a symposium on the “Challenges of 2007 Nigerian Elections Strengthening the Nigerian Democracy: The Challenges of 2007 Elections” organized by the International Leadership Institute in association with The Institute for Advancement of Democracy.
Interestingly, Prof Iwu seized the moment to convince some people in the Diaspora about his robust plans to conduct free, fair, and violence-free elections as the chairman of INEC. He used the opportunity to allay fears of 2007 elections mirroring those of 2003 by touting the operational and structural changes the commission has made so far. Prof. Iwu stated that he has meticulously restructured INEC for effectiveness. The commission is adequately preparing to have free, fair, and violence free elections by ensuring a credible process through voter education, authentic voter card, credible ballot cards, and instantaneous transmitting of election results. Iwu-led INEC assured people in the Diaspora of the commission's political independence and invite them to support the commission in discharging its constitutional duties.
Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Attabiru Jega, who was the keynote speaker painted a dismal political picture of Nigeria, which he said is dominated by “militicians” and not politicians. He described Nigeria as a highly militarized society. He said, “Trying to democratize a highly militarized society like Nigeria is a tough job.” He, however, acknowledged that leadership is critical for everything. “From what I know of Prof. Iwu, I don’t believe he’s going to succumb to intimidation and bribery. He’s going to provide credible leadership to ensure fair and free elections,” he added during question and answer session. The VC believes that Iwu’s leadership would help transform INEC for the better.
Many people in the audience were impressive with the credibility Prof. Iwu exuded throughout the entire exercise. They seemed to give him the benefit of doubt considering the history of electoral fraud in Nigeria. They were quite settled with the fact that Prof. Iwu is synonymous to change.
In that light, Dr. Okpalobi said, “Iwu sounds like someone who will be independent in conducting 2007 elections. I hope President Obasanjo does not meddle in Iwu's activities to conduct fair and free elections. Indeed, Iwu seems to be independent.”
Hon. Theophilus Bright Olaokpu echoed, but added, “His presentation as far as the modalities for the electoral process is concern is excellent.”
Pragmatically speaking, Dr. Ben Okwara said, “Iwu has a tight rope to walk. I don't think it's realistic to conduct 100% fair and free elections. The most he can do is to conduct an election good enough to satisfy everyone involved—both winners and losers.”
In a placid-oriented manner, Chief Sam Uwandu whispered, “I have every confidence in Prof. Iwu to plan and execute free, fair, and violence-free elections. However, the success of any election will depend on the level of support Prof. Iwu receives from the Nigerian people.”
Captivated by the presentation of Prof. Iwu, Engr. Victor Emuakhagbon succinctly said, “Prof. Iwu is upright. He means well for Nigeria, but I wonder if Nigeria will cooperate with him. He’s a true technocrat that would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. He’s not a politician.”
The Coordinator, International Assistance Program for INEC, Ambassador Brownson N. Dede alerted the audience about the high stake of 2007 elections. He indicated the enormity of 2007 elections not only to Nigerians, but also to the international community, who feels that Nigeria's enduring democracy is critical to maintaining other democracies in the region. He said, “If things go wrong in Nigeria, it will affect other countries in Africa. International community is interested in supporting the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. As a result, countries like Canada, US, EU, including UNDP under United Nations support Prof. Iwu and his commission.
Prof. Iwu is determined to make a difference. He is developing various plans to ensure smooth elections in Nigeria. We need to work with international community to strengthen democracy in Nigeria; we need improvement and transparency. As a result, we will work with the international community in areas such as Capacity building for adequately manning 120,000 polling stations, voter education, and electronic voter register.”
Andy Ezeani, the Chief Press Officer of INEC expressed, “We are currently updating our system for effective counting.” Ezeani continued, “We have established zonal stations to facilitate the supply of materials." He assured everyone that "voters' cards should carry picture and biometric information for authentication.” Mr. Ezeani also informed the audience that INEC has the enabling legislative authority to control the amount of money each presidential candidate spends during the electioneering period. “INEC has not only the authority to control spending, but also must know where the money is coming from,” he proudly said.
Well, it could be aptly said that so far there are no signs of ills of 2003 elections foreshadowing Iwu-led INEC. So far Iwu’s visit is receiving favorable reviews. It is however important that Prof Iwu should endeavor to go to other major US cities to communicate the same information to other Nigerians. Perhaps that would turn people’s cynicism into confidence in INEC.
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