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Nigeria Senate Ready for Electoral Reforms Says Legislator

   Peter Clottey 06 May 2010
   Nigeria's  acting  President  Goodluck  Jonathan (R) takes the oath of
   office  to  become the nation's next leader, at the Presidential villa
   in Abuja, Nigeria, 06 May 2010

Photo: AP

   Nigeria's  acting  President  Goodluck  Jonathan (R) takes the oath of
   office  to  become the nation's next leader, at the Presidential villa
   in Abuja, Nigeria, 06 May 2010

   A  Nigerian  legislator  says  the Senate will be working closely with
   President  Goodluck  Jonathan  to  institute  his  promised  electoral
   reforms ahead of next yearâs general elections.

   Senator   Ewa  Bassey  Henshaw  said  Nigerians  have  been  demanding
   much-needed  electoral  reforms  that would guarantee that next yearâs
   elections are devoid of rigging.

   âWe have also passed a number of amendments to the Constitution, which
   are  geared for electoral reforms.  So, we believe that we are on the
   same  page  with  the  president.   We are working very, very closely
   together,â he said.

   Recently,  Mr.  Jonathan  ordered  the  chairman  of  the  Independent
   Electoral  Commission  (INEC)  to  step  down  from  his  post.  In a
   statement,  President  Jonathan  said  INECâs Chairman Maurice Iwu has
   been  placed  on  immediate  leave.   A  new  chairman  is  yet to be
   appointed.

   The  former  head  of  the  electoral  body came under criticism after
   organizing the 2007 general elections that was described by both local
   and international observers as largely flawed.

   Senator  Henshaw  said  the  departure  of  the electoral commissionâs
   chairman forms part of the electoral reforms.

   âThe  removal  of  the chairman of INEC, Professor Iwu, was one of the
   major  issues that many, many Nigerians were clamoring forâ¦many, many
   Nigerians   didnât   feel   satisfied  with  the  way  elections  were
   conductedâ¦there  was  a  clamoring  for his removal and the president
   respected  the  views  of  the  millions of Nigerians that wanted that
   change,â Henshaw said.

   President  Jonathan vowed to embark on electoral reforms shortly after
   he was sworn in Thursday following the death of ailing President Umaru
   Musa Yar'Adua.

   Senator  Henshaw  said  President  Jonathan underscored the need for a
   credible vote.

   âThe  president  has  re-emphasized that he wants to ensure that every
   personâs  vote  counts  and  is counted, to use his words.  So, every
   vote  will  be  important  and, whatever the decisions are arrived at,
   will  be  a  reflection  of  the wishes of the people who have voted,â
   Henshaw said.

   He also said that Nigeriaâs national assembly is committed to ensuring
   that  elections are seen to be transparent, credible and acceptable to
   all Nigerians.

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