Akunyili, Five Others For INEC Chair

THE Presidency is considering six names as likely replacement for Professor Maurice Iwu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Vanguard can authoritatively reveal.

According to sources in the Presidency, names being considered as likely replacement for Iwu include Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, rtd.Major-General Ishola Williams, president of Transparency Nigeria, Prof Dora Akunyili, immediate past Information and Communications Minister, Col. Abubakar Umar, former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and former Nigeria Bar Association, NBA president.

Presidency sources said that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan was bent on leaving a legacy in Nigeria’s political history, and as such regards the civil society a veritable ally that would credibly contribute towards realizing his ambition.

Jega would be remembered for the pivotal role he played in forcing the government of General Ibrahim Babangida to improve the welfare of university teachers and properly recognize their role in nation building. Williams’name is synonymous with abhorence for corruption, hence he stands out as probably the only Army General who is not associated with questionable wealth.

Ibrahim is Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, a non-governmental organization in Abuja, and is no less known than the others for his Civil Society activities.

Agbakoba is regarded generally as an icon in human rights activities, having founded and run the foremost civil society group, the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO. When the military had the nation in its stranglehold, Agbakoba stood out, deploying his knowledge of law in the fight against arbitrariness of the military. During that era, the CLO was the unofficial mouthpiece of the citizenry.
SOURCE: Vanguard Nigeria Newspaper – www.vanguardngr.com

17 COMMENTS

  1. I believe Goodluck is our messiah in this country we should all give him maximum support to play his role. Because this is an opportunity for us to change this great nation to good. Left to me, there is no need for election in 2011, we should just allow him to continue his great job. May god help us and our country. Amen

  2. Great is the work of the Almighty God. A gem is gone and here comes another one in a moment. Good luck Jonathan is an epitome of salvation. We are wishing you the best as you carry out your presidential functions. MAY THE CABAL NOT SIDE TACT YOUR GOOD INTENTION FOR THIS COUNTRY.

  3. Nigerians kwenu! Kwezunu!!!.God has given us Goodluck as the name implies, so we don’t want any other person than GOOD for LUCK. Lets embrace this fresh air in our dear country Nigeria. His name is Goodluck, his is Mercy. Lets give honour to whom it is due. Emmanuel Abia state polytechnic, Aba.