Credible Elections: 20 Things Jega Must Do   

Published on July 21, 2010 by TheNEWS   ·   1 Comment

I commend TheNEWS magazine for its guide. If Prof. Attahiru Jega, the new INEC boss can adhere strictly to the 20 steps enumerated ahead of the 2011 polls, the country may just be on the way to having credible elections, something akin to the 1993 presidential election, still adjudged best in the country’s history (‘Credible Elections: 20 Things Jega Must Do,’) TheNEWS, 12 July 2010 edition). Sadly, it was unjustifiably annulled by the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida-led administration. To me, the 20 steps are good enough to deliver the long awaited credible polls.
Ismail Adaramola,
Ilesa.

Prof. Attahiru Jega will surely have his hands full as he moves towards conducting elections in 2011. Though credible elections are possible, my fear is that the Nigerian factor will get in the way. If the professor is allowed to operate without interference from the powers-that-be, I believe he will not fail, especially if he follows TheNEWS’ prescribed steps. I pray the INEC helmsman takes the 20 steps very seriously.
Modinat Adisa,
Ibadan.

As Nigerians look forward to credible elections next year, the onus is on Prof. Jega to deliver. To achieve success, the radical academic must critically analyse what went wrong in the elections conducted by his predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu and then set an agenda for himself so that he does not lose his integrity as did Iwu. I know it is a difficult task but with the support of over 140 million citizens via prayers and if I may add, determination, success is possible.
Osaro Ehigie,
Benin City.

Judging by his antecedents, Prof. Attahiru Jega is the kind of person this country needs as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Not only will he be uncompromising, as a radical academic and distinguished political scientist, I am very sure that he knows what to do to succeed on his job. I wish him the very best of luck.
Emeka Okafor,
Enugu.

Your cover story was very interesting. Judging by the enthusiasm in most places, I think Nigerians are ready to support Prof. Attahiru Jega, the new INEC boss, so that he will succeed. So the onus is on him to grant the wishes of many Nigerians.
Musa Mohammed,
Sokoto.

We may choose whoever we may as the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, but things will remain the same—rigging all the way. The problem is not INEC or who heads the body but the country in which it is operating as an institution. It is only in Nigeria that leaders are bigger than national institutions: the only country in the world where a few in government hold the country to ransom. The truth is, until we change our attitude towards life and ourselves, the efforts of Prof. Jega or whoever comes after him to conduct credible elections will be fruitless.
Efe Omonode,
Benin-City.

Prof. Jega, indeed, has a Herculean task to conduct credible elections as INEC boss. Looking at the situation on ground, what he must do to succeed is to, as much as possible, remain focussed. By now, I believe he is at the drawing table mapping out what he needs do to achieve his aim. The roadmap to success is to have a plan and to follow it religiously.
Lekan Onifade,
Ibadan.

I believe that Prof. Attahiru Jega is going to succeed. I take this stand not only because he is a successful academic, he is also known to be uncompromising and result-oriented.
Philip Duro,
Lagos.

Prof. Attahiru Jega may have lofty ideas and objectives to deliver credible elections come 2011, but it is another thing to be allowed to function properly on the job. The best way Nigerians can support Jega is not only to pray that government functionaries do not interfere in his functions as INEC boss, they should rally round him by making sure that nobody rigs during elections.
Niran Adeyemi,
Ilorin.

Your magazine’s cover story on what Prof. Attahiru Jega needs to do to ensure credible elections in 2011 is not only educating, it is apt. It is high time the press stopped celebrating mediocre public servants. Our leaders should be put on their toes. To me, celebrating mediocrity in public office is gross irresponsibility.
Kayode Akinyemi,
Ilesa.

I fear for Professor Attahiru Jega, who may end up tarnishing his good image because many credible men have been smeared by our jinxed electoral system in the past. Whatever name we call the body, NECON, NEC, FEDECO or INEC, it has remained near impossible to conduct a fair and credible election in Nigeria. To me, this is largely due to the fact that our leaders enter politics to make money and not to serve the people. The situation cannot be different under Jega.
Zamani Kachim,
Zaria.

The Prof. Jega that I know is a fearless and resolute person, so he will be difficult to coerce. His appointment as INEC chairman is no doubt a good one. Vote riggers and manipulative politicians are certainly in for a rough time. Even before your magazine pointed out those areas he needs to explore, the man, I believe, had already drafted and decided on the road to follow and he will deliver what the people expect of him. I can vouch for him to organise very fair elections in the country.
Solomon Ihele,
Port Harcourt.

I am one of those who believe Prof. Attahiru Jega will not succeed as chairman of INEC. This is mainly because he was a consultant to Prof. Maurice Iwu’s administration. In other words, he is part of Iwu’s failure.
Gabriel Sani,
Okene.

I have no doubt in my mind that Prof. Attahiru Jega is the man this country needs to organise credible elections. As an activist, an academic and a sound mind, Jega is not the type to be cowed or coerced. I also believe strongly that he’d find your cover story a ready guide for his assignment.
Femi Salawau,
Ilasamaja.

Those who believe in Prof. Attahiru Jega and all he stands for should have advised the learned scholar not to take the job of INEC boss. He should, instead, have been made the Minister of Education. There is no way he wouldn’t be disgraced out of that office just like his predecessor, Prof. Iwu. I am displeased with the fact that after all these years of activism, the respected professor chose the path of infamy.
Kanayo Isiguzo,
Owerri.

From what I have read and heard of the professor of Political Science, prolific researcher and author, I count on him to give Nigerians another free and fair election comparable to that of June 12 1993. The story by your magazine on what he must do is timely. I look forward to election days come 2011.
Owolanke Odunayo,
Ado-Ekiti.

The antecedents of Prof. Attahiru Jega have proved beyond doubt his ability to stand his ground. True, he is an action man. Now that he is heading INEC, he should prove doubting Thomases wrong by doing everything possible to achieve credible elections in 2011.
Femi Adewale,
Kebbi.

I went through your cover story titled: 20 Things That Professor Attahiru Jega Must Do as the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission. I strongly agree with you that if he follows those recommendations Nigeria will witness credible elections come 2011. Prof Jega is experienced and will deliver.
Francis Akinyemi,
Ede.

My advice to Attahiru Jega is that he should know that all eyes are on him as we approach the 2011 elections, which to me would be the most crucial in the history of this country. He should just follow his mind and do all humanly possible to ensure that we have credible elections.
Clement Oladipupo,
Osogbo.

How Ooni Betrayed Abiola
If Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland is to be believed, the Ooni of Ife is not a man of the people if actually he betrayed the late MKO Abiola over the sum of $600m, a debt truly owed the late businessman in the ordinary course of business with the government (TheNEWS, 12 July 2010 edition). It is unfortunate that the Ooni could betray his own brother for reasons best known to him.
Funmilayo Adeleye,
Lagos.