The Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Attahiru Jega, in his recent interview with Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, reported that he will quit as INEC chairman, after his tenure has expire in June this year.
The professor of Political Science Attahiru Jega, was appointed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in 2010 to replace the then chief of Nigeria’s electoral management body, Prof Maurice Iwu, while his tenure in office will be expire in June this year.
Mr. Jega said having successfully accomplished the task assigned to him, another person should be given the opportunity to contribute his own quota.
Mr. Jega, a professor of political science, acknowledged that the task of leading INEC was a difficult one adding that he was not interested in tenure renewal and would not accept an offer of extension.
“I am grateful to God. I was asked to come and contribute my own quota to the national development and I have done my bit to the best of my ability,” he said.
“Whatever assignment one will do for five years – just like this difficult one — to me if one is able to successfully accomplish the task, someone else should be given the opportunity. Because for me I am not interested and if I am requested to serve again, I will not do it, by God’s grace.”
He stated that the introduction of the card reader device in the 2015 general elections had significantly helped to make the presidential election transparent and credible.
