President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday swore in the former Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University, Kano, Attahiru Jega as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission alongside five other commissioners.
The president also oversaw the swearing in of two new permanent secretaries and special advisers.
Mr Jonathan, who advised the new INEC boss not to compromise his radical posture, said the entire country is watching and it is incumbent on him to maintain the core principles which has shaped his life and led to his choice as the nation’s chief electoral officer.
Speaking after the swearing ceremony, which took place shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Mr Jonathan also charged the new presidential adviser on power, Barth Nnaji to ensure that he delivers power to Nigerians in line with the expectation of government.
The National commissioners sworn-in were Nuhu Yakubu; M.k Hammanga; Gladys Nwanfor; Ishmael Igbani Thelma Iremere and Lai Olorode.
The aides include the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publications, Ima Niboro; special adviser to the vice president on special duties, Isaiah Balat and his special adviser on political affairs, Hussaini Jallo.
Mr Jonathan said he is convinced of the need to institute a robust electoral process managed by men and women of integrity. He therefore challenged the new INEC officials not to disappoint the people who have so much supported them and urged them to seize the moment and do the country proud in the effort to enthrone good governance and justice.
The president said he will come up with new names to replace the nominees dropped for being card carrying members of political parties.
“I was quite excited when people described you (Jega) as a radical and I am happy that a radical is going to INEC to do positive things and make sure that you don’t compromise that belief,” Mr Jonathan said. “Luckily you are a professor of high repute; your students are all watching you whether you will stand by the principle you have been talking in the classroom. Your colleagues that you have left are also watching you.
“Your responsibility is even more enormous than mine in terms of managing elections.
I will be considered as ordinary partisan politician, people will accuse me that probably I will favour my party. But you are not one. You are expected to show transparency and honesty in all that you do.”
Work to do
With the inauguration, President Jonathan said the nation “has advanced one more step in our quest for credible elections.” He also praised the Senate for the expeditious clearance given to the nominees.
“This once again marks out our distinguished Senators as partners in progress; and as men and women eager as the rest of us to conclusively set our nation on a path of progress,” he said.
“I believe that Professor Jega, Professor Nnaji and myself have work to do for our dear land. And in the remaining months between now and May 29, next year, let us tell Nigerians that this is a different government,” he said.
The new INEC boos said his team is aware that Nigerians have great expectations for credible, free and fair elections in 2011.
“I wish to assure you that we will work tirelessly to actualize this aspiration; we shall, by the grace of God, take adequate steps to ensure free and fair, and credible elections in 2011. We will work efficiently and effectively to ensure that all eligible voters are properly registered and properly enlightened on how to discharge their civic duties and we will ensure that each and every vote counts during elections,” Mr Jega said.
“We will work as closely as the laws allow with political parties to institutionalize internal democracy in their affairs and responsible conduct in inter-party relations. We shall also work hard to ensure violence-free elections.”