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From Kunle Akogun and Senator Iroegbu in Abuja, 04.29.2010
He was hauled and harangued at home and abroad for what his critics describe as grave failings in his job. But Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Maurice Iwu is about to get a reprieve from constant battering.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has directed him to proceed on pre-disengagement leave with immediate effect.
Jonathan's directive closes the curtain on an issue that had engaged the Nigerian public, particularly in view of the forthcoming elections next year.
The debate generated by the issue of whether or not Iwu should remain in office has been intense and sometimes nasty.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communication) to the Acting President Mr. Ima Niboro said last night that Jonathan’s directive is in consonance with Section 155(1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution.
That section stipulates that the chairman and members of the INEC shall hold office for a period of five years.
Niboro said Iwu whose tenure expires on June 13, 2010, “has also been directed to hand over to the most senior National Commissioner, who shall oversee the activities of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.”
He added that “the Acting President thanked the out-going Chairman of INEC for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.”
Prior to his sack, the former INEC chairman had become a controversial and polarising figure, with many involved in the struggle to either remove or keep him in office.
The proponents of a second tenure for him argued that the problem is with the political class and the structure of the electoral system and not with the person of the chairman. This group pointed out that politicians are a major problem in elections.
This group also suggested that Iwu’s experience would be crucial to the successful conduct of the 2011 general elections.
However, the anti-Iwu protesters said that he has lost the credibility required to conduct a free, fair and transparent election and must be removed from office.
Iwu’s removal may not surprise many given the strident agitation against him and any plan to renew his appointment to make him conduct the 2011 election.
But the Acting President had initially appeared not too disposed to removing Iwu.
During his recent trip to the United States, Jonathan had said the problem with the nation’s electoral system had little to do with Iwu or whoever is INEC chairman but more with the political class.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Johnnie Carson, had categorically called on the Acting President to sack Iwu.
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