How politicians bought 2007 polls - Iwu

CHAIRMAN of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, has disclosed that most of the current public office holders bought their way into power during the 2007 general election.

Iwu said INEC warned the nation before the elections that some politicians were going to buy victory and, indeed, that there were forces that were bent on derailing the transition programme, but that the warnings were ignored.

The election tribunal across the countries have nullified the elections of many governors while the Appeal Court had ordered re-runs in about four states so far.

Professor Iwu said this in the United States at a Nigerian Democratic Development stakeholders symposium held in Atlanta.

The symposium was hosted by Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Alliance of Nigerian Organisations in Georgia (ANOG) and All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC).

He disclosed further that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some members of the opposition did not want the 2007 elections to be held, but that INEC was determined to conduct them.

Iwu said, “The elections were bought even before the elections took place,” just as he lamented that the influence of money had eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian electoral system, thus handing victory to the highest bidders.

He added that some politicians in Nigeria had made money the overriding issue, adding that Nigerians abroad were used in furthering the interests of such politicians. He said the problem of violence in elections should be addressed.

Speaking further, the INEC boss said civilian and military conspirators had been undermining Nigeria’s democracy for 47 years.

Nigeria, according to him, was one of the few nations that had been able to successfully transit from the military or strong dictatorship to democratic system. He said some Nigerians had benefited from the awkward political situation in the country.

“It is only natural that those who have been the masters or beneficiaries of the old order will refuse change, especially the change that will no longer guarantee the self-serving opportunities they have been enjoying for long at the expense of the larger populace,” he said.

He told the audience that the solution to the endemic problem of election in Nigeria was in the ability of the Federal Government to change the mindset of Nigerians and their attitude to democracy.

The government, according to him, must begin to initiate moves aimed at de-emphasising money in politics.

http://odili.net/news/source/2008/jul/22/602.html

Another clown in action!

Why did this man wait for almost 15 months to open his mouth?

. . . . . as if we didnt know all along