THERE are more issues in the 2015 general elections than the tenure of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega. A focus on them, instead of Jega, is critical for the free and fair elections Nigerians desire.

While politicians have their interests, we think that the major interests at the moment, should be on ensuring that registered voters get their permanent voters’ cards, PVCs, that the card readers work, logistics to get materials to the voting centres have been resolved and that voters and electoral officials are trained in this new technology.

These should be occupying enough. Debates about the removal or not of Professor Jega fall squarely under freedom of speech, we respect liberties. If there are reasons to remove Jega, are members of the House of Representatives saying he cannot be removed, as the Constitution, which they also quoted, provided in Section 157 (1)? Has any letter gone to the Senate for his removal? Why these speculations suddenly in the middle of the campaigns? Why are candidates more interested in Jega’s tenure than their campaigns? Are the Jega debates not meant to distract us from core questions about what our next governments, across the country, intend to do for Nigerians?

President Goodluck Jonathan, without whose approval moves to remove Jega cannot be made, has vehemently denied the speculations. Why all the fuss over Jega? Why all the threats of violence and recourse to the International Criminal Court, if Jega is removed?

Jega has done so well according to those who say he cannot be removed. They were the same people who condemned the postponement of the elections. The late arrival of materials for the elections is obvious. Materials are still expected in some cases.

INEC has confirmed that PVCs and card readers would be tested in 12 States this weekend. The outcome of the tests would decide certain steps. Are these not things that INEC should have done earlier for elections that should have held on February 14?

We want Jega to run out his tenure for a different reason. He should be around to see his plans through. We think it is too late to change the leadership of INEC, 23 days to crucial elections that are already doused in controversies, and in which Jega has played a central role, including staking his integrity.

However, we advise politicians to concentrate on telling us their plans for Nigeria, in addition to accounting for how they used past opportunities. INEC, on its part, should utilise the postponement well by ensuring that hitches that attended past elections are tackled. These are more important than Jega or his tenure.