Impunity: The Saint rules at INEC!

by Eze Eluchie

When I instituted legal action before the Federal High Court, in 2010 (Suit Number: FHC/L/CS/867/2010), challenging the legitimacy and constitutionality of the appointment of Mohammed Attahiru Jega (‘the Saint’) as Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), some commentators had not appreciated the need to ensure propriety, legality and adherence to laid down rules in the conduct of our national affairs.

As we proceed towards the 2015 general elections, our polity will soon begin to face the hefty price associated with founding entire political institutions on fraud.

My suit challenging The Saints appointment had been based on very clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the federal Republic which had provided in its Section 156(1){a} that whosoever is appointed as a member of the INEC Board, such as The Saint, had to have the qualities of a member of the Federal House of representatives. One of these qualities, as contained in Section 65(2){b} of the same Constitution, is membership of a political party!

Our toxic justice system.

by Eze Eluchie

As the Kenyan Supreme Court prepares to deliver its judgment today on the case challenging the victory of Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta during the elections held on 4^th March 2013 (barely 25 days ago), it gives all of us involved in the (in)justice delivery process in Nigeria one more opportunity to bow our heads in shame.

In our system, the 25 days that have gone past after elections will be used just for filing documents (mostly pieces of papers crafted to delay the entire process and ensure a blurred process).  Lengthy, and mostly irrelevant documentations; absence of judiciary staff from their posts, at times due to domestic squabbles in their homes and or paid vacations to exotic location of judicial officers; and other equally nonsensical reasons will ensure that such litigation drag on for eternity in our system. Till date, after over 700 days, there are yet some outstanding litigation in our system emanating from the 2011 general elections.

Leadership as service.

by Eze Eluchie

I am not a Catholic, and probably will never be one on account of doctrinal differences;

but what Pope Francis is doing here, kissing the feet of one of 12 young prisoners in a Rome jail (inclusive of some Muslim, non-religious and female inmates) and his general candor thus far, depicts leadership worthy of emulation.

It will be interesting to see some of our home bred clowns masquerading as religious rulers, who fly about in private jets purchased by scamming a hapless congregation, repeat this feat or anything akin to it.

Picture: Pope Francis kissing the foot of a prisoner in a Rome, Italy jail.