Jega worried by Nigerians’ apathy towards elections

L-R: VP, UI, Prof Bamiro, former Commonwealth Sec-Gen, Prof Anyaoku, Prof Jega, Chair, INEC at the 2010 Advancement Lecture in UI Friday

 
CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday expressed concern over the apathy of Nigerians in the election processes.

He said these were challenges the commission is battling to overcome in preparation for next year’s election.

Jega spoke at the 2010 Advancement Lecture  at the University of Ibadan (UI) Monday.

Speaking on the theme: Citizens’ Responsibility in Bringing About Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Nigeria, Jega regretted that the achievements of the commission to accomplish credible elections may be in vain if Nigerians continue  their withdrawal from the process.

He said the Federal Government has implemented about 80 per cent of the recommendations of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais-led Election Reform Committee, adding that it showed that the government and the commission were commited to credible elections.

He said the withdrawal is borne out of the frustration with the players in the system.

Jega said unless the citizens perform their civic duties and obligations, reforms may not achieve the desired results.

He urged Nigerians to participate in the process to make the electoral system work.

The INEC chair pledged to organise credible elections despite the challenges before it, promising that neither himself nor his subordinates would take bribe from any politician.

Jega said: “There are many legitimate grounds giving rise to apathy and indifference among the citizens. The failure of the system, especially the governance, to advance and satisfy popular needs and aspirations largely accounts for this.

“The massive reckless, abuse of trust by those entrusted with the management of collective national resources and common affairs have engendered a feeling of hopelessness, so much that people are forgetting how collective resolve, collective undertaking and collective engagement have historically been the panacea for the resolution of problems collectively faced. But we must get out of the confusion and apathy to get things right.

“Preparations for the elections give all of us an opportunity to get out of the apathy, get things right and produce the right leaders that will work to meet the aspirations of citizens.

“INEC is deeply concerned about citizens’ indifference and lack of engagement in the process. We are sincere people and we will do our job with sincerity and we believe that our efforts will bring the desired positive changes.”

The INEC chairman urged them to shun the imposition of candidates but ensure internal democracy, adding that they are critical to democracy.

He urged security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to collaborate with the commission to deliver credible elections.

Jega said the legal framework on public procurement has slowed down the acquisition of  data capturing machines needed for the election.

He assured that the time extension would take care of the delay.

He said INEC would be patient to organise credible elections next year.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, urhed all Nigerians to work together to correct the mistakes of the past. He stressed that all citizens have a duty to ensure the success of the election by performing their roles.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, said elections and electioneering activities were the cause of the nation’s democracy.

He said the society should ensure the success of next year’s elections.