Conference of Nigeria Political Parties {CNPP} waited patiently when we got the reports that Mrs Charity Vedalego was unlawfully excluded from the Bayelsa governorship polls and that Professor Maurice Iwu informed the world that foreign Election Monitors were bribed: we expected refutal from the man on the spot, Professor Iwu, or condemnation from President Umaru Yaradua on the impunity, perfidy and arrogance of Professor Maurice Iwu, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, unfortunately none came.
We reasoned that the mantra of rule of law could have protected an innocent woman who wanted to provide service to her people. The reassurance we got was predicated on the lofty pronouncement from the spokesman of the Electoral Commission, Barrister Philip Umeadi to the effect that since the Court Appeal judgment held that no election took place in Bayelsa on April 14th 2007, every political party was free to nominate fresh candidate for the fresh election.
The Electoral Commission abandoned this position midway, probably scared of the rising profile of Mrs Vedalego. We condemn this perfidy and call for Professor Iwu's dismissal, as she was not allowed to contest either on the platform of PPA or Labour Party, that were begging her.
The last straw that broke the camel's back was the exlusive interview Professor Iwu granted Independent Sunday newspaper, to the effect that Mrs Maldrine Albright and co,{ foereign election monitors} were heavliy bribed and if not for the patriotic effort of the Professor as the referee of the the election, the whole exercise could have been aborted. He described the the force he confronted as that of David and Goliath, hence the defeat of the the war armada.
CNPP wish to once more sound a note of warning that any effort being made to rail road the country by force into a one party state is bound to fail and hence a threat to national security; for we cannot comprehend why Mrs Vedalego was obstructed to exercise her inalienable to to be voted for by her own people.
It is condemnable and we call on her to challenge the matter in court and call on all patriots, especially Nigerian women to give her every support
On the insult and falsehood Professor Iwu unleashed on the foreign monitors, we regard it as an assult and disgrace to the Nigerian people. It is despicable and a dark sign post on the image of Nigeria, especially when a president who preaches the rule of law and due process allowed a scoundrel to abuse and tarnish the image of statesmen.
CNPP calls on Professor Iwu to resign forthwith and apologise for the hienous crimes he committed since the assumption of office as the Chief Electoral Commissioner.
Alternatively we view the refusal and intransigence of President Yaradua to drop Professor Iwu and co; as retention of Battle-Axe to be used in the event of the cancellation of the presidential election, which unfortunately vindicates CNPP position that all the charade called electoral reform is nothing but an orchestra of deception.
Consequently, we challenge President Yaradua to sack Professor Maurice Iwu and co, to demonstrate his commitment to restoration of democracy in our land.
Osita Okechukwu
National Publicity Secretary
CNPP
08039738870
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