…tasks them on credible, free, fair polls in 2011

By Ben Agande & Inalegwu Shaibu

 ABUJA—The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Professor Attahiru Jega and six national commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with a charge from the President of the Senate, David Mark that they must ensure the conduct of a free and fair election.

But the fate of two of the nominees, Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari, from Jigawa State, representing North-East and Dr. Abdulkadir Oniyangi, Kwara representing North-Central is still hanging on the balance as they are yet to forward their curriculum vitae for the screening.

Those confirmed as National Commissioners are Engr. Nuru Yakubu, Yobe, representing North-East, Mrs. Thelma Amata Iremiren, Delta, representing South-South, Professor Olayiwole Olurode, Osun, representing South-West, Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Abia, representing South-East, Col. Hammanga Kurmi, Adamawa representing North-East and Dr. Ismael Igbani, Rivers, representing South-South.

Mark said, “We have asked them repeatedly and they have assured us that they will abide by the Constitution.

They need to the fair, transparent and they should make sure that they conduct credible, free and fair elections in 2011.”

Before their confirmations, the commissioners during screening assured the Senate that they will abide by the Constitution and the Electoral Act in the discharge of their duties to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible election in Nigeria.

Engr. Yakubu who was the first to appear for screening told the Senate that credible voter’s register is key to free and fair election, stressing that he will team up with his colleagues at INEC on the credibility of the voters’ register.

He said, “I have no doubt that voters registration is as important as the election. It can be characterised as the gateway to free and fair election. If cleared, what I will do is to look at all the option and take best decision in my opinion that will lead to credible voters registration.”
Yakubu also promise to improve on the problem of inefficient distribution of electoral materials during election saying, “I can assure you that we can deploy all our professional expertise to ensure that the problem of inefficient distribution of materials during election will come to an end.”

Professor Olurode who was among those confirmed yesterday as National Commissioner said he rather die than compromise his integrity, adding that Nigerians-in-Diaspora should be consider in the voting process.