•Concerned about the solidity of the INEC server
For Enrique Uche
Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), has warned politicians and other stakeholders in the February 25 and March 11 elections to follow the rules or it may not be credible, free or just.
Speaking yesterday at a virtual Townhall, an initiative of the Africa Leadership Group (ALG), Nigeria Leadership Series, the former INEC chief also raised concerns about the robustness of the commission’s server (website) due to the activities of internet scammers. (hackers).
Recalling how the commission’s website was hacked when he had influence, Jega tasked the current INEC leadership with upping their game in this regard to avoid a fiasco.
“It would be in everyone’s interest for politicians to follow the rules. Nigerians deserve nothing more than credible, free and fair elections. Furthermore, INEC must not allow invaders to break into its website. Some hackers are being hired and paid to cause disruption. Some of them just have wits. We experienced it on election day when I was in charge but we resolved it in a very short time,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to implement credible criteria for weighing and choosing whom to vote for, though he denounced the dearth of competent candidates in Nigeria’s body politic, saying: “Good people sit on the fence or stay out of politics. If the men and women who meant well for Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines, those who use ethnicity, religion and other primary identities to divide people will continue to dominate. Good thing there are competent candidates, let Nigerians look at themselves and choose wisely.”
Jega said that foreign bodies are interested in Nigeria’s politics, because the country was rated low because its elections are characterized by impunity.
“For this reason and more, I am a strong supporter of the establishment of the Electoral Crimes Commission which will help curb so many anomalies, politically,” he said. He also sued for the actions of citizens – before, during and after their casting of votes if a generally accepted election result is to be guaranteed.
“The law allows you to stay, observe and control the voting and the processes and ensure that the president does what is necessary, otherwise desperate politicians would hijack and contaminate the entire process. We must not be indifferent in this election, ”he said.
Jega frowned at the fact that some political candidates failed to honor domestic invitations for public debates, while the same candidates were quick to honor foreign invitations such as Chatham House in the UK, which recently hosted some candidates. country politicians.
Similarly, ALG President and founder Pastor Ituah Ighodalo said the Group would intensify efforts to push further discussions on rebuilding Nigeria to a greater height.
“The African Leadership Group (ALG) would sincerely keep the faith to promote good governance, accountability, equitable and judicious use of human and natural resources and is designed to address the leadership dilemma in Nigeria and the African continent. in general,” he said.
