PROFESSOR ATTAHIRU JEGA: A PLEA FOR NON VIOLENT NATIONAL ELECTIONS
Zumunta USA congratulates you on your appointment as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. We recognize that managing the conduct of an election in Nigeria is indeed a very challenging task. We know however, that your successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of Ado Bayero University Kano, and your previous engagement as president of the Academic Staff Union leave no doubt about your credibility as an impartial umpire.
Zumunta Association USA, Inc. is a non-for-profit and non-political organization with membership drawn from the states of Northern Nigeria, which seeks to foster unity and collaboration among the states, promote technological innovation and provide educational scholarships to northern youths. Zumunta also seeks to improve the quality of education in northern Nigeria, and advocate responsible leadership as well as preserve the cultural heritage of the region. Where possible, Zumunta works with relevant bodies and institutions on conflict avoidance and response to humanitarian disasters.
In your recent remarks to Traditional Rulers in the Oyo state capital on November 12, 2010, you stated “I am sure that we can all agree that the task of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria is not the exclusive responsibility of INEC, but that of every Nigerian.” Mr. Chairman, you cannot be more right. That is why we as members of Zumunta USA, Inc. lend moral support to your efforts at conducting a credible national election. While we feel that it is imperative that INEC monitors how its staff carries out its duties, we urge that your commission be given the cooperation by the country’s law enforcement agencies through the use of implementation of strategies aimed at curbing any violence at polling booths and collation centers.
Mr. Chairman, Zumunta is confident that with zeal and a sense of purpose you and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission will achieve for Nigeria what others before you have tired with limited success to do, i.e. conduct a free, fair and credible election. Nigeria at 50 years deserves an election the whole World would be proud of. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Ezekiel Macham National President Dr. Ibrahim Salau General Secretary Executive Members: Dr. Ezekiel Macham (National President); Dalhatu Umaru, Ph.D (Vice President); Ibrahim Salau, Ph.D. (Secretary General); Mr. Halilu Haruna (Treasurer); Mrs. Lami Dogonyaro (Public Relations Officer); Mrs. Rakiya Khaleel (National Youth Coordinator); Maryam Egberi (Financial Secretary); Mr. Musa Salihu (Cultural/Social Officer); Mr. Femi Amorin (Auditor I); Ms. Zainab Sheni (Legal Advisor I); Ms. Alice Osunde (Legal Advisor II); Dr. Jerome Wakili (NGC Secretary); Salisu Abdullahi (Ex-Official).