Posted by By Moyo Fabiyi & Simon Ateba on
Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate, in Osun state, in last year's election, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, to resign for comparing the 2007 election he conducted in Nigeria with that of the US, which produced Barack Obama as president.
Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate, in Osun state, in last year's election, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, to resign for comparing the 2007 election he conducted in Nigeria with that of the US, which produced Barack Obama as president.
'I hope that all those who have made it impossible for us to have credible elections in Nigeria will have a rethink on what it means to the people, nation and country for a justifiable and acceptable electoral process. This is a demonstration of what we lack in Nigeria; a free and fair electioneering process. It is the absence of this democratic process in our country that has made Nigerians to show so much interest in the American election.
'I think with this, we must rue over our inabilities to conduct a free and fair, smooth and exciting election,' Aregbesola said. 'Did you see any snatching of ballot boxes?' He asked. 'There was none,' he added.
In his own reaction to the emergence of Obama as the US president-elect, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Onibiyo Adelabu, described the American electoral system as transparent and a beauty to behold. He thanked God for giving him the opportunity to watch the election of the first black president in US.
Also reacting to Obama's emergence as president, Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said: 'What has happened in the United States of America is in total contrast to what continues to happen in Africa and Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world. The Black World still represents a place where political opportunities are not open to all; where godfatherism in politics thrives; where peoples' votes do not count; where ethnicity still defines the trends in politics; where there is no transparency and accountability in government and where anyone who calls and crusades for change is seen as an enemy of the state, rather than a patriot. And worst still, where an independent electoral commission, saddled with the conduct of free and fair elections, is only an extension of the ruling party.
'If we must be like America, we must begin to make sacrifices for our country by putting aside mundane considerations like friendship, tribal ties, consanguinal relationships, financial inducements, and at all times be ready to fight for social justice, equality of all parts of the country, accountability and transparency in government and most importantly, free and fair elections.'
A chieftain of Afenifere, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, also called on Prof. Iwu to resign. Durojaiye described Iwu's comment on the US presidential election as: 'a reflection of guilty conscience. He (Iwu) should have resigned a long time ago. If government does not want to discipline him, he should vacate his seat quietly.'
He described Obama's victory as 'the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.' The Senator said Obama came at the right time to resolve the global financial crisis. The politician expressed hope that Obama would ensure peace in Arab territories and put an end to the wars all over the world.
'Everybody is interested in the outcome of the US election because whatever affects America affects the whole world. I believe Barack Obama was chosen by God because he came at the right time. The economic crunch in America is affecting the whole world. I pray that God, who made it possible for Obama to be there, would back him till the end,' he said.
Durojaiye also described Obama's victory as a victory for youths all over the world. 'His victory is a generational victory. This means that youths are now in charge. They have the opportunity to excel now,' added.