*Attahiru Jega, Bukhari Bello in contention

By Jide Ajani,  Deputy Editor

There appears to be a twist in the appointment of the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of the National Council of State, NCS, which is scheduled to consider the nomination.

It was gathered during the week that security agencies had cleared Mr. Bukhari Bello, a lawyer and human rights activist, whose name was forwarded for screening by the presidency.

However, sources hinted yesterday that the name of Dr. Attahiru Jega, a former leader of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), may also be on the cards.

President Goodluck Jonathan, on a visit to France last week had said his nominee for the position would soon be named, although he confessed that he had never met the person physically.

A Presidency source said the president “is keeping his choice very close to his chest” as he did in picking his deputy recently.

The source said Dr. Jonathan wanted to be as neutral as possible in the matter.

It was also gathered that the decision to send Prof. Maurice Iwu on disengagement leave was largely at the instigation of the United States of America which called for the reorganisation of election management in the country.

“During that visit to the US, the Americans made it quite clear to President Jonathan that it would be in his interest and the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians that the electoral reform agenda be properly and expeditiously engaged”, the source said, adding, “It was that understanding which made Jonathan send Iwu on terminal leave.

“At the time of going public with Iwu’s leave, there was no substitute on the table.  It is because Jonathan is playing neutral, though one of the governors from the North Central State had attempted to put forward a former Justice of the Supreme Court – but that did not fly with Jonathan.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Council of State will also deliberate n the
* Appointment of INEC National and Resident Electoral commissioners.
* Vision 2020 blueprint.
* 2010 National Honours
* Deregulation of petroleum prices
* Police funding.