Following the popular saying that leaving when the ovation is loudest is the best move for public officers, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega has said that after the expiration of his tenure at the helms of the commission’s affairs this year, he would not accept a renewal of appointment.
Jega’s tenure as the Chairman of INEC will expire in June 2015. He was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 to replace Professor Maurice Iwu.
Jega made the affirmation while speaking on an interview program on British Broadcasting Corporation, Hausa Service (BBC Hausa) on Wednesday.
He maintained that he has served Nigerians to the best of his ability as boss of the commission and that it was time for another person to head the commission for the next five years.
Jega who has been widely commended by individuals and groups both at home and abroad noted during the program that his job is one of the most difficult in the country.
The INEC boss how displayed sterling calm even when under intense frontal attack by former Niger-Delta minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe on Tuesday at INEC’s collation center gave thanks to God for what has been achieved so far. He however said categorically that he would not accept a tenure renewal.
Jega said: “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.
“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.”
Jega lauded the introduction of the card reader machine in the 2015 general elections as having contributed remarkably to the transparency of the just concluded presidential election.
He added that there were few challenges that would be looked into in the forthcoming governorship/state assembly elections, including late coming attitude of electoral officials to polling centers.
Commenting on Orubebe’s unruly behaviour on Tuesday, Jega said he maintained his calmness because all the allegations were false.
“There is nothing that frightens me or disturbs me because we have explanations for all our actions,” Jega said.
