Why we protested against Jega, by OPC

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) yesterday explained that its Monday rally in Lagos was not directed against any party but against the injustice being perpetrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hakeen Ologunro, the group said “for the benefit of Nigerians, our stand on the election and support for President Jonathan remains unchanged. We decided on President Jonathan simply because we believe that of all the candidates, he has a better agenda for the Yoruba race”.

“So, rather than the allegation that we are supporting the President for personal gains, our decision was because of the larger Yoruba interest,” the statement added.

It added: “We have also stated clearly that the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, has not shown enough commitment to conducting a free and fair election.

“For instance, the issue of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), which has been shown to have been well distributed in areas where there is violence in the North, whereas the figures released to the South, has been abysmal.

“Also, INEC has created additional 30,000 polling units in the North, giving an unfair advantage to the North over other parts of the country. In simple terms, these forms of deliberate injustice are what the OPC is fighting against.

“It must, however, be noted that since the OPC was formed, we have always  stated that we stand for the emancipation of the Yoruba race. We also stand against any form of injustice.

“And these long-standing principles have not changed. If you recall, we were in the forefront of the calls for the release of Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Chief Raph Nwazuruike, both of whom are non-Yoruba. We spent our money and resources to fight for the release of these two men without expecting anything in return. “We formed an organisation, Coalition of Free Dokubo and Uwazuruike (COFDU), held several press conferences, printed pamphlets and handbooks to campaign for their release. Nothing has changed between then and now. And we remain committed to fighting for, and defending anybody who we believe is being cheated.”

Condemning the attacks on the group’s National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, the OPC National Coordinating Council, the statement said the group comprises people expelled from the OPC in 2007.