CLO WARNS JONATHAN AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF IWU AS ENVOY

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has advised President Goodluck Jonathan against appointing the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Maurice Iwu, as Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil or any other nation as reportedly being rumoured among members of the public.

While kicking against giving Iwu any sensitive or diplomatic appointment, the organisation in a statement issued in Lagos by its Acting President, Mr Igho Akeregha, noted that giving such appointment to Iwu would run against the grain of public expectation.

'Although Iwu's appointment is still a rumour, but behind every rumour there is element of truth, but let it be known to President Goodluck Jonathan that most Nigerians will be disappointed if he has indeed concluded plans to appoint Iwu as a foreign envoy representing Nigeria in a strategic country like Brazil,' Akeregha said.

While saying that it is the right of every Nigerian to aspire for or be given appointment into public office, the CLO leader stated that any appointment given to Iwu will clearly show that President Jonathan can't be trusted with his promises to rid the country of the vestiges of corruption and restore sanity to the polity.

Giving some reasons why Iwu should not be given any sensitive public appointment, CLO noted that the former INEC boss conducted elections that were regarded across the world as a charade and mockery of democracy.

'For five years that Iwu was in charge of INEC, he conducted 2007 general elections, and other bye-elections that fell short of acceptable standards.

It was only Iwu and those who criminally benefited from the electoral shenanigan that celebrated the world-wide condemned 2007 general elections and other bye-elections that he conducted. It took unprecedented courage on the part of the late president General Yar'Adua to admit that the 2007 general elections was flawed,' Akeregha said.

Insisting that Nigeria doesn't deserve to have a doubtful character representing her interests at international arena, Akeregha implored the president and members of the National Assembly to be guided appropriately by expectations of Nigerian citizens whenever they are taking any action.