By Tony Edike &   Dennis Agbo

ENUGU—CHAIRMAN of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Chapter, Barrister Agu Gab Agu, has described the appointment of  former ASUU President, Professor Attahiru Jega, as an indication that President Goodluck Jonathan was determined to put in place a credible electoral body.

Similarly, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, Chief Adol Awam, described Attahiru Jega as a man of integrity who carved a niche for himself as ASUU chairman, adding that Jega will perform well as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,  INEC.

Reacting to Jega’s appointment as successor to Professor Maurice Iwu as INEC boss, Agu said that if Jega’s track record as ASUU leader was anything to go by, his appointment would be the best thing that has ever happened in Nigeria’s quest for a faultless electoral system.

He said that when compared with those also put forward or the position, Jega remained the best choice.

His qualities

According to him, “Jega is very suitable for the INEC job. He is a man of principle, very straight forward and his moral rectitude is faultless.

“He stands up for the truth and he is not somebody that can be compromised.  He led ASUU very commendably and we still celebrate him. He appears to me to be the best choice, bearing in mind the people that are being mentioned,” Agu said.

On his part, Awam, whose faction is favoured by many PDP stalwarts in the state, especially those loyal to Dr. Sam Egwu, said, “At least, let us try a man from the Northern part of the country for the first time. I am sure Jega will be a good referee.”

Other political gladiators in Ebonyi State, like Dave Umahi, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and the PPA,  when contacted, declined comments on Jega’s appointment.