Mustapha Akanbi
Jega’s resignation portends danger, says ex-anti graft chief Akanbi
Pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi warned yesterday that Prof. Attahiru Jega’s resignation as Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) chairman portends danger for the nation.
The ex-Appeal Court president, therefore, urged the citizenry to encourage Prof. Jega not to resign, adding that if the INEC chairman resigns few days to the general elections, it might be the beginning of violence.
He spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a special public lecture titled: “Towards Peaceful Elections in 2015: The Roles of Stakeholders in Nigeria.”
The lecture was organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin.
Akanbi cautioned Nigerians against doing anything that would make predictions about a possible breakdown of the country after the general elections a reality.
He reminded the citizenry of the unfortunate incidents that led to the cancellation of the 1993 presidential elections believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood K.O. Abiola.
Akanbi, who condemned Monday’s attack on the convoy of Mrs. Aishat Buhari in Ilorin, said the sad occurrence in a town reputed for peace and harmony, “instilled fear in me that we may not have peaceful elections”.
His words: “We must encourage Jega not to resign before the elections. If he resigns, that will be the beginning of violence. Jega that I know is a man of integrity; if you change him at this nick of time, that will draw us back.
“We should not do things that led to the cancellation of the 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola. We should know that Nigeria is greater than all of us. Therefore, whatever we do concerning these elections must meet international standard. I’m happy that Jega has declared that he would not resign before the elections.
“Let’s hold the elections and show the world that we are decent people. We should not allow predictions about possible breakdown of Nigeria after the elections become a reality.
The former anti-corruption chief praised the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for declaring publicly that traditional rulers, as fathers of all, should not campaign for any politician.
“Monarchs should be apolitical and stand for only what is good for the country,” he stated.
Akanbi advised Nigerians to vote wisely and shun ethnicity and religious bigotry in electing people into public offices.
The guest lecturer from University of Jos, Prof. Danny McCain, reminded the country’s political gladiators that “just because one loses an election, do not mean that life is over”.
He said: “Should the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, lose the upcoming elections, he will have lost nothing. He will continue to be the respected national statesman he has been for many years, with an enhanced status due to representing the combined opposition party and a stronger run for the presidency.
“Should President Goodluck Jonathan lose the election, he will likely become a respected Africa-wide leader, who will be called upon for the rest of his life to support significant projects, reduce tension and share wisdom from his vast experience in governing the largest country in Africa.”
McCain, quoting Enenim Ubom, prayed that “may God give us defeated politicians who will use their vast experiences and resources to work for a better world.”
The Vice- Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, urged Nigerians to shun politics of “do-or-die”, saying that “this is not desirable and we should all join hands to save our democracy and people from the consequences of violence, an evil wind that blows no good to anyone”.
He added: “The forthcoming elections offer us another opportunity to deepen our democracy and vote. Votes don’t fight and we should make it a cardinal point and an abiding philosophy that we shall always maintain peace and avoid violence.”
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