Written by Jacob Segun Olatunji, Abuja Tuesday, 10 May 2011

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government have been called upon to bestow the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour.

A human rights group, Vanguard for the Protection of Journalists and Sanctity of Elections in Africa (VAPAJOSEA), made the call on Sunday, while reacting to the outcome of the supplementary election in Imo State, which was won by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Addressing newsmen at the Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki 2, Abuja secretariat of the organisation, the Executive Director of VAPAJOSEA, Bonaventure Melah, said the INEC chairman had done Nigeria proud and restored its pride among the comity of nations and should, therefore, be given the honour due to him by the Federal Government.

“No Nigerian has, since the nation gained independence in 1960, exhibited the courage and patriotism with which Professor Jega prosecuted the 2011 general election.

“While most Nigerian elite would have seen the appointment to the exalted position as an opportunity to enrich themselves and generations of their families, Professor Jega shunned the material trappings of his office and refused to compromise.

“This is in spite of several attempts by desperate and corrupt politicians to influence him and members of his commission. The process and outcome of the election, which most people in the world have described as the best in the nation’s history, was made possible because of his courage, transparency and neutrality.

“He has, therefore, become both a national hero and an inspiration to the youth and generations yet unborn,” Bonaventure said.

On the Imo State supple-mentary election, which was concluded on Saturday, Bonaventure said the result was a true reflection of the sentiments, wishes and aspirations of Imo people, who, by all indications, were tired of the administration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

“The decision of INEC to conduct supplementary elections in both Anambra Central Senatorial Zone and some Local Governments in Imo State was in the best interest of the people. Where doubts exist, an unbiased umpire would call for a repeat. As in Anambra Central and Imo State, the will of the people eventually prevailed over power of incumbency, desperation and money. The outcome of the two scenarios goes to show that Nigerians believed in the electoral process which Jega superintended. That was why in each of the cases, the people went back to the polling boots and spoke louder with their votes.

“Above all else, what I think Jega has helped the nation to achieve is that elected public officers would henceforth make deliberate efforts to work for the good of the people knowing fully well that, with their votes, the people would throw them out of their offices if they abuse the opportunities, if they fail to deliver quality service, as was the case in Imo State,” Bonaventure concluded.