The All Progressive Congress Alliance for Good Governance (APCAGG) has called on Nigerians to support the nomination of Mrs Lauretta Onochie as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Members of the APCAAG made the call while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, saying that those against Onochie’s appointment were people who undermined the democratic process and the rule of law.
Mr Great Jonathan, the Convener of the group said that the appointment of Onochie could be disputed or seen as partisan as “she is not a card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).’’
Jonathan said that Onochie was only serving as a Technical/Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari and “he has the power to appoint qualified people into his cabinet.’’
“Some elements, who are afraid of their shadows and dangerous past are up in arms against the well-deserved appointment of Lauretta Onocihie by President Buhari, because of what she represents.
“Those who are afraid of being confronted in their notorious schemes of election rigging by the bold and courageous disposition of Onochie have resulted to a cacophony of noises in order to confuse the nation.
“Through their propaganda machines, they have launched an attack against her appointment but the reality is that they are afraid because she has always stood for a free and fair election and that is not in their dictionary.
“They know that her appointment into INEC is a further measure by Mr President to strengthen the institution to ensure freer and more credible elections in the future and they don’t like that,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan said none of those opposing her nomination had brought anything tangible against her except that she worked for the government.
“But the question to ask is this- Is the government in which she serves not the government of Nigeria? Does she possess the intellectual capacity to do the job?
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“What denies her the right like every other Nigerian from handling responsibilities in any capacity?
Members of this APCAAG made the call while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, stating that people against Onochie’s appointment were those who undermined the democratic process and the rule of law.
Mr Great Jonathan, the Convener of this group said that the appointment of Onochie may be disputed or seen as partisan as”she isn’t a card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).”
Jonathan said that Onochie was only serving as a Technical/Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari and”he has the ability to appoint qualified individuals into his cupboard.”
“Some components, that are afraid of the shadows and dangerous past are up in arms from the well-deserved appointment of Lauretta Onocihie by President Buhari, because of what she symbolizes.
“People that are fearful of being confronted in their infamous schemes of election rigging by the bold and courageous disposition of Onochie have led to a cacophony of noises so as to confuse the nation.
“Through their propaganda machines, they’ve launched an attack against her appointment but the reality is that they are afraid because she has always stood at no cost and fair election and that’s not in their dictionary.
“They know her appointment to INEC is a further step by Mr President to strengthen the institution to ensure freer and more plausible elections in the future and they do not like this,” Jonathan stated.
Jonathan said none of those opposing her nomination had attracted anything tangible against her except that she worked for the government.
“However, the question to ask is this- Is your government in which she serves not the government of Nigeria? Does she have the intellectual capability to perform the job?
“What makes her the right like each other person from handling responsibilities in any capacity?
“Are individuals who were appointed from the past and those currently serving, more Nigerian than she is?
“Has she committed any offence where the constitution should frown at her appointment” The group requested.
Jonathan further cited examples of earlier INEC chairmen who were card-carrying members of former administrations.
Also speaking, Dr Tom Ohikere, a member of this group said that Nigerians should be happy over the nomination of both Onochie because”she is a professional, upright and with a good reputation”.
Ohikere explained her appointment as”well-deserved” as she possesses the qualifications to push Nigeria through a free and fair electioneering process.
Mrs Sally Chinedu, former South East Zonal Leader of the APC also recognized the nomination of Onochie, saying” it is a component of the president’s agenda of women addition in governance”.
She clarified Onochie as a God-fearing woman whose character in prior positions, professionalism and moral criteria qualified her for the place. (NAN)
