The head of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu insisted that he would continue with his assignment given to him by the federal government until the end of his tenure expected to round up in June this year.
Recently, there were serious agitations from various quotas especially the opposition political groups as well as civil society groups demanding for his sack. The groups also are warning federal government against any attempt to renew his tenure. But Iwu’s spokesman, Mr. Andy Ezeni said his boss would not quit his position until the end of his tenure if he was not reappointed.
Mr. Ezeani added that Prof Iwu has a constitutional mandate which ends in June and that all the excitement being generated is unnecessary, adding that, “Those calling for his head are only wasting their time because he has a tenure and once it is over he would take his leave unless he is ask to say.”
Earlier, this week, a government official working at the presidency revealed that Prof. Iwu’s five-year tenure as INEC boss will come to an end when he leaves office this weekend, but the report could not be ascertained as Iwu is still incharge.
In the words of his spokesman, “Iwu has always said that he is serving the country and going against such mandate will not be in the best interest of democracy and national development.”
Of recent, there have been various rallies for and against Iwu. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) together with several human rights and civil society groups staged a protest urging the government to quickly sack Iwu.
Also penultimate week, some youths staged a demonstration in Abuja urging the government to reappoint Iwu, who they said is the best person to deliver credible polls in Nigeria come 2011 general elections.
The United States of America has through its Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson demanded for Iwu’s sack saying that the electoral body under him has not served the interest of Nigerians.
However, the federal government has not said anything or taken any position on the matter.