Ever since someone made me notice that J.E.G.A could translate for 'Jonathan Ebele Goodluck Azikwe, I have been questioning my undoubted faith in Jega. If you do not know who Jega or Jonathan is, this post might not be for you. But for the nice person that I am, I will tell you who they are quickly.
Jega Attahiru was the man summoned by the federal executive council to come fix arguably Nigeria's biggest problem- Unfair and rigged elections. Iwu, the former INEC boss was believed my many to be so corrupt, his continuous handling of the electoral body would bring the country to ruins. Jega, upon appointment has been able to show many that is a man to be trusted and believed to bring about the most credible and fairest election in Africa's history. I, can proudly say, I am one of the many. He has made sure he came out clean on many things- from whether he needed extended time to achieve his mandate, or how much he needs and many others.
Now Jonathan, is Nigeria's incumbent president, who is seeking reelection and for some election, since he is only finishing the time of his dead boss- Umaru Musa Yar'adua. Jonathan appointed Jega and we all fully supported the move upon the display of Jega's character.
Now I would not seat hear and tell you I'm impressed with all Jega has done till date- many I am not impressed with, which includes but is not limited to the non payment of ad-hoc staff, not sending observers to some primaries and so on. But I would say is that for the wrongs he has done, he has so far seem to be unbiased and incorruptible, at-least until now.
A big chance to test his resolve has propped up. INEC gave all parties a deadline to hold all primaries at all levels. The ruling party, which appointed Jega via its presidential candidate who is the incumbent president, has issues with some of its primaries and wants to hold reruns, which Attahiru has done well to say he wont accept the list of candidates from these primaries. If he sticks to his word, he would have the blessings and confidence of Nigerians at large, and you would see them reciprocate by turning out in large numbers to vote in the April elections.
If he gets it wrong and allows their candidates to run, then he would be seen as been a tool in the hand of the president to return the party to power in many positions in the country. This would be a failure for his much publicized self professed honesty.
Now the problem here is more complex. INEC currently is an arm of the federal government, funded by the government. Until the house and senate work on and pass a bill that makes INEC independent in the true sense of it, I mean work out a way to fund itself, then it would continue to be a tool for the incumbent government. Do you get it? I hope you do. If not and are still interested, please send me an email @ ookegbem@gmail.com.
What a coincidence with the name though. LOOOOLLLLLL
Thanks for reading. Your comments would be immensely appreciated.
