The National Council of State, last Tuesday, ratified the nomination  of the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and one time President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Attahiru Jega as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The meeting, which was held in the Aso Chambers of the Presidential Villa and significant in the fact that it was the first time all living past Nigerian leaders were in attendance together, indicated that the choice was easy as all the participants were unanimous in the approval of the decision made by President Goodluck Jonathan. But Prof. Jega was not the only candidate considered for the INEC top job.

Names like Buhari Bello and Justice Alpha Belgore were said to have been considered but the Council was clear from the beginning as to who was the best man for the job in their estimation.

It was Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State who pointed out to State House Press Corps that the Council was impressed by the courage demonstrated by President Jonathan in recommending him because, in this era of mutual suspicion among politicians in matters of election, someone like Jega, who is not known to have any political leaning, is best suited for an electoral umpire. The selection of  Jega makes him the first ever individual of northern extraction to be saddled with such responsibility.

Indeed, his antecedent is not in doubt. As ASUU President during the military era of President Ibrahim Babangida, he compelled the Federal Government to sign the famous 1992 ASUU/FG agreement for the enhancement of the welfare of university lecturers. His predecessor, Professor Maurice Iwu, was his deputy at the time. He was unbendable in his desire to restore sanity in the university system, not only through improved welfare for university teachers, but also the revitalisation of learning infrastructure. General Babangida more than tested his resolve but his spirit was not broken. He also rejected an attempt by the late General Sani Abacha to suck him in and compromise his sterling principles  by appointing him the Minister of Education.

Even though he is an educationist, he has played an important role in the search for a viable political process in the country as exemplified by his prominence in the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) led by former Chief Justice of the Federation, Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, which came up with recommendations that have been widely acclaimed as the best way to enhance our political culture.

Needless to say that his appointment will engender new hopes that the country may yet have a credible general election next year where the people’s votes may, indeed, count. President Jonathan has harped on that for a while and even promised to nominate a person who Nigerians would be convinced possesses the credentials to conduct a free and fair election.  Professor Jega is already receiving plaudits as one that fits the bill, but conducting elections in Nigeria can be tricky. He would require all luck and self discipline to perform his daunting assignment unscathed.

The Council also approved 10 new Federal Electoral Commissioners and 18 Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) which have not been named. Governor Oshiomhonle indicated that the Council regards the new appointees are people of quality and integrity.

The  Council of States meeting on Tuesday, also resolved the lingering question of the status of President Jonathan’s national honour.  On the day he was sworn as president, he was referred to as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), an honour that was thought to be automatic for Nigerian leaders, but close watchers were confused to learn later that he remained with the lower Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) awarded to him as Vice-President.

The argument was that he could not have a GCFR because he could not possibly award it to himself even though he was the one that conferred a GCON on Namadi Sambo after swearing him in. This brought both of them at par on the honours’ list. The Council resolved to grant him the highest national honour and his GCFR would have the good luck and privilege of being signed by all the past leaders in attendance.

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CODE OF CONDUCT
written by OLAMIDE OLASUPO, July 01, 2010

Congratulation for the inauguration , but there are some things which is really bothering my mind till date , I believe there should be a code of conduct and job description for the above office , since it is a public office can we publicly see the code of conduct and the job description , will there be massive force recruitment and well trained individuals with integrity as a spy to work before the election date as a field worker to record the campaign of all contestant in the country in every location using small devices like mini camp coder or mobile phones with the capacity of recording up to 6 hours , and all this should be audit accordingly by the audit committee , any campaigner that is found campaigning against the set campaign policy should be apprehended and dismiss from future contest . we will like to see actions and not just name and office appointments . we need actions. thanks

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