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PRESS RELEASE
May 15, 2006
In an unprecedented display of electoral knowledge and lecture series, the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) lead by Professor Maurice Iwu has concluded its tour of US cities. Unperturbed by the daunting task of trying to erase the shadows of the 2003 elections, Professor Maurice Iwu, INEC chairman assured Nigerians and the International community that Nigeria elections come 2007 would be free, fair and produce credible outcome.
Along with Professor Iwu, other guests invited from Nigeria by The Institute for Advancement of Democracy (TIAD) and International Leadership Institute (ILI) who attended the event included but not limited to, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Attahiru Jega, Senator Nicholas Ugbane, Chairman of Senate Committee on INEC, Hon. Hamisu Shira, Chairman House of Representatives on INEC matters, Mr. Andy Ezeani, Chief Press Officer of INEC, Ambassador Brownson Dede, Coordinator, UN International Assistance Program for INEC and Ms. Ndidi Okafor, Director of Protocol, INEC. Representing the Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S was Dr. Humphrey Orjiakor, Minister on Political affairs and the Consul General of Nigeria in New York was represented by the Vice Consul, Ibrahim Auwalu. Also present were Prof. Michael Echeruo of Syracus University, New York and the MD of Weston International and Dr. Steve Dike from Virginia.
In their first stop in New Jersey on Saturday, April 29, 2006, on a symposium sponsored by the internationally acclaimed and highly respected not-for-profit organizations, The Institute for Advancement of Democracy and the International Leadership Institute, the INEC team fielded questions from the Nigerian and International community on issues ranging from Nigerians in Diaspora Voting Act, restructuring the “New” INEC to meet challenges of the 2007 elections and the proposed Constitutional amendment hearing underway in the Nigeria legislature.
In his 39 pages keynote address to an audience of Nigeria politicians, academicians, professionals from all walks of life and the news media, Professor Attahiru Jega of Bayero University had strong words for the “militicians” whom he said have dominated the body polity. The Vice Chancellor pointed out that from the 1950’s to date; all the five electoral bodies at the federal level (EC 1958-66, FEDECO 197-83, NEC 1987-1993, NECON 1996-98, and INEC 1998 – date) have historically faced almost the same persistent problems, which have portrayed them as ineffective, inefficient and to some extent fraudulent. To ensure credibility in the process, the current commission must work on several fronts, the first major and decisive step in getting democracy take a firm root in Nigeria is to get the next national elections right, to get a credible, free, fair and non-violent electoral outcome in 2007. Herein lays the challenges of the 2007 elections.
For Nigeria to succeed in this venture, Professor Attahiru made it clear that the process of democratization must earnestly endure and we must shade our past shadows of dubious “political engineering” and “transition without end”. These are the vestiges of the military era aimed to aid self perpetuation in power in guise of “transition to democracy”.
He acknowledged that politicians have abandoned their job to militicians who have subjected Nigeria to a highly and dangerously militarized society. It will require consistent effort and constant watch by our leaders at all levels to return things to normalcy, he averred. Professor Jega credited the INEC chairman with measured and credible changes in the commission thus far and warned that this leadership shall not be impeded if the commission is to succeed on its mandate.
In his speech, Professor Iwu reaffirmed his earlier statement in the Press that 2007 elections would be free, fair and credible and called on Nigerians and the international community to support the efforts by the commission and the executive branch of the government to ensure that 2007 elections does not mirror the problems of 2003. He expanded his comments and carefully laid out how his commission has restructured INEC for maximum effectiveness and to earn the public confidence.
To allay the concerns of the audience, Professor Iwu outlined his commission’s four point Electronic Voting System (EVS) comprising of Credible Voter Registry, Voter Education, Automated voting machine and simultaneous transmission of the election results to the INEC headquarters and regional offices.
Professor Iwu warned that there are those in the media and the contestants, who despite their full knowledge of the structural changes being implemented by the “New” INEC, are nonetheless going around misinforming the electorate. These people fail to inform the electorate about the 120,000 polling stations instituted by INEC nationwide and the stakeholders meetings in Nigeria organized by the New INEC Institute. He challenged all Nigerians in the Diaspora to join his commission to ensure that Nigeria’s nascent Democracy is preserved for generations yet unborn.
In a response to a question regarding the proposed constitutional amendment allowing third term and other provisions, Professor Iwu reassured the crowded hall that this issue is not within the mandate of his commission. He informed that the legislature is capable of dealing with the subject matter and avowed whatever the decision of the legislature; it will not change the direction of INEC for 2007 elections.
Echoing on the earlier comments by Professor Iwu relating to Electronic Voting System (EVS), Mr. Andy Ezeani, chief Press Officer of INEC stated that the commission has established regional offices to facilitate the supply of elections materials to polling stations as needed. He assured the audience that the proposed voter card will carry biometric information of the voter for authentication. Mr. Ezeani averred that the new INEC has studied the problems of 2003 elections extensively and is poised not to repeat them in 2007.
The affable Ambassador Brownson Dede assured more than 300 guests attending the symposium and banquet gala that the stakes are high for 2007 and Professor Iwu’s commission will maintain its political independence and resist any attempt of intimidation from any quarters and will conduct violence free elections.
Ambassador Dede warned about the implications of INEC’s failure to Nigerians and the international community if things go wrong. He stated that countries like US, Canada and EU are investing logistical support to strengthen Nigeria democracy in 2007.
The presentation by Professor Iwu was so captivating, even the usual unfriendly media remained stoic and awed at the eloquence and passion at which the chairman delivered his speech and by the structural changes underway in INEC by the chairman.
Undoubtedly, the INEC chairman is determined to make a difference come 2007. The questions lingering in everyone mind is whether the electorates are ready for his electoral vision for Nigeria. In the words of some of the attendees, the Executive Director of TIAD, Mrs. Debbie Lee states “I felt an overwhelming sense of the importance of democracy to us all. The Honorable Chairman Maurice Iwu articulated a clear, comprehensive, and inclusive strategy for the electoral process. There is a lot of work ahead and we must continue to support those who remain dedicated to change, justice and the democratic way”.
The President of International Leadership Institute (ILI) Hon. Judge Lajune states “The International Leadership Institute believes Nigeria’s future rests in the hands of the Nigerian people. The ILI and TIAD want to work in partnership to strengthen the democratic institutions in Nigeria and prepare for elections through civic education, training programs for election professionals and election monitoring programs”
Attorney Mike Essien of African Broadcasting Network, America states “The TIAD / ILI event was a seminal event in the continued effort toward sustainable democracy in Nigeria. That a few of us could get together, objectively, to create a forum for such pregnant discussions was truly remarkable. Folks exchanged ideas, argued about issues that mattered and heard from the chairman and the panelists on pertinent and clarifying issues, such as automated voting, electronic and biometric date management, efforts toward credible and verifiable vote counting and more”
Culminating the symposium was a Gala dinner in honor of the INEC Chairman where he was presented with several awards and proclamations for the Commission and the Presidency. The Institute for Advancement of Democracy and the International Leadership Institute presented the Chairman, their 2006 “Honoree of the Year” an award symbolizing the importance of the Chairman’s responsibility and commitment to Nigeria and the world at large.
The Organizations also honored the president in recognition of his vision for Nigeria, identifying talented men like Professor Iwu and women like Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to serve the country to strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Other awards to the Chairman include, a proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Irvington, New Jersey, Hon. Wayne Smith, a US Congressional award, courtesy of Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California presented on her behalf by the contingent from All Nigerian-American Congress (ANAC), the Nigeria Association of Certified Public Accountants for his continued support, and the Nigeria Association of Management Consultants.
Notably in the crowd of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who attended the event include but not limited to Hon. Wayne Smith – Mayor, City of Irvington, New Jersey, Dr. Maurice Ene - moderator of Kwenu.com, Mr. and Mrs. Clement Ezeh - President and First lady of Abia-Imo States Association in New Jersey, Aloy Nwosu CPA, Hon. and Mrs. Polly Ubah - Chairman of PDP New Jersey Branch, Chief and Lolo Mike Amuzie, Mr. and Mrs. Agwukwu Ofodu, Hon. Theophilus Olaokpu, Chief Mike Anukam, Mrs. Vicky Vicky Ezebuiroh, Ms. Beatrice Njoku, Chief Albert Ukaigwe, Dr. Ignatius Njoku, Chief & Lolo John Njoku, Ms. Liz Unegbu, Hon. Elliot Isibor - Delta State Envoy to the US, Prince Okey Onyiuke- President Anambra-Enugu States Association in New Jersey, Hon. Joe Anamelu,
Chief Kenneth Iwelumo -Vice President at MerrylLynch, Sebastian Ibezim, Esq., Chief Austin Egwuonwu – former Chairman, World Igbo Congress, Chief Titus Osuagwu, Chief George Akunna and Chidi Hans Ibe, Chief Charles Ekeh, Mrs. Ivy Onyejekwe, Chief (Mrs.) Stella White, Chief and Lolo Alwell Ezealaji all of New Jersey.
Others in attendance include Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former member of Nigeria House of Representatives and Imo State Gubernatorial candidate 2007, Chief Ikedichi Nwade, Chairman NAFDAC, Dr. Ben Okwara, Chairman of First Care Medical Clinics of Charlotte, NC, Victor Emuakhagbon, CEO of Atesco Services and Chairman of the Board, ESAN Worldwide. Mr. & Dr. (Mrs.) Chuck N. Chuckuemeka, CPA, Principal at Chuckuemeka & Associates of Minnesota, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Essien of African Broadcasting Network (ABN), Mr. & Mrs. Chris Obasi, of Minnesota, George Nze, Chairman of California Health Services, Sam Uwandu, President of Sam Uwandu & Associates and Imo State Gubernatorial candidate, Professor Chudi Uwazurike of African Profiles Magazine, Dr. Ifeanyi Okpalobi of New Orleans, Paula Ajesifinni, CPA, of Washington DC, Okey Mbonu, Esq and Chief (Mrs.) Ajayi with contingent from All Nigerian-American Congress (ANAC), Dr. Jude Nwokenkwo of Chicago, Derrick Edwards of American Government Services, Minnesota, Dr. Acho Orabuchi, Chairman PNF Foundation, Dallas and Sherry Robinson, Vice
President at Hudson United Bank.
The chairman recognizing that the stakes are high in 2007 election, he extended invitation to all Nigerians to come and participate in the elections. Indeed the stakes are high in 2007. As Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government. But it is still the best we know” Democracy works best when all of us participate. TIAD and ILI uses this opportunity to thank all of those who attended this year’s event and urge all Nigerians in the Diaspora and the International community to support the Commission to ensure success at all levels in 2007.
The Institute for Advancement
of Democracy
“Working to foster Democracy,
One Nation at a Time”
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Professor Maurice Iwu, INEC Chairman
Hon. Hamisu Shira and Senator Nicholas Ugbane
Professor Attahiru Jega, VC Bayero University
Ambassador Dede and Professor Jega
Debbie Lee, Exec. Director of TIAD presenting
2006 award to Prof. Iwu
Chris Obasi, Esq. Debbie Lee, Prof. Iwu and
Hon. Judge Lajune Thomas Lange, President of ILI
Hon. Mayor Wayne Smith and Professor Iwu
Mrs. Ajayi and ANAC contingent presenting
the Congressional Award
Mrs. Vicky Ezebuiroh, the Co-MC
Prof. Uwazurike, George Nze and Aloy Nwosu
Sebastian Ibezim, Esq and Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba
Mike Essien, Esq. and Paula Ajasifinni, CPA
Cross section of Invited Guests during the National
Anthem by Ms. Abiodun
Ms. Ndidi Okafor of INEC, Co-MC and
Sam Uwandu, CPA
Dominique Braud, Debbie Lee,
Chuck N. Chuckuemeka and Liz Unegbu
Chief Austin Egwuonwu, Prof. Iwu and a friend
Hon. Elliot Isibor and Aloy Nwosu, CPA
Victor Emuakhagbon in background, Prof. Iwu and Chief (Mrs) Ajayi
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