Why Iwu failed, by Jega

Poor logistics and inadequate funding have been identified as some of the reasons why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Maurice Iwu could not conduct credible elections.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, stated this yesterday even as he said that the commission was prepared towards ensuring credible polls in next year’s general elections following the support of the Federal Government.

Prof. Jega said this in Onitsha, Anambra State, during an interactive session with traditional rulers of the South- East geo-political zone. He said the commission had received much support from the Nigerian government to help conduct a free and fair election.

His words: "It is difficult to see how INEC can deliver the type of elections that Nigerians yearn for without the full co-operation and support of everybody, particularly our royal fathers. From the inception of this commission in July 2010, I spoke severally about the challenges facing us in delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2011, notably, funds and time. I must say that in the intervening months, these two challenges have been largely addressed by the government."

According to the INEC boss, the country would not attain the much talked about credible polls in 2011 if politicians remain resolute towards achieving their political aims through violence and by breaking down laws and order.

He stressed that INEC would make sure that such politicians are brought to face the full wrath of the law.

On the voters registration exercise, Prof. Jega said the commission had concluded arrangements with the National Headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and National University Commission (NUC) to get people who would help the INEC staff during the registration.

Like Jega is not failing too.