By THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must return to the path of legality and integrity if Nigeria’s fragile democracy is to thrive, former lawmaker Hon. Temi Harriman has declared.
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The assertive declaration by the former lawmaker did not sit well with officials of the electoral umpire at the weekend in Lagos during the unveiling of a provocative new book, INEC Corrupt Practices: The Siamese Twins and Warri Federal Constituency, as they marched out of the event in shame.
The audacious book was jointly authored by Chief Robinson Ariyo, Esq., the inimitable Egogo of Warri Kingdom, and Jolone Ikomi, Esq.
Hon. Harriman (left) and Omasan Lilywhite Esignone
The high-profile event at The Lilygate Hotel, Lekki, drew a cross-section of academics, legal practitioners, political actors, and students.
Harriman noted that strict compliance with the law was the only way INEC could resolve the long-running controversies surrounding ward and polling unit delineation.
“Nigeria is not a jungle,” she warned. “INEC must revisit this issue and tackle the problem from the root, not with half measures. Only the law can sustain peace.”
Praising the book as “a timely masterpiece,” she recounted how her father, Chief Ogedegbe Harriman, had once given her the Willinks Report, which broadened her appreciation of Nigeria’s minority struggles.
L-R Lily-White Esigbone, Ani Ogharandukun, Bright Omaghomi, Gbone Awala, Hon. Temi Harriman, Tsaye Edeyibo-Mene, Utseoritselaju Edeyibo, Misan Momorin and Tosan Osandatuwa
She insisted that both INEC and the judiciary must operate above board to restore public confidence.
Her call was reinforced by co-author Chief Ariyo, who argued that the commission had flouted a 1997 court order restraining it from creating 12 wards in Warri South Local Government.
He accused INEC of “complacency” and hinted that vested interests may have influenced its actions.
Bright Omaghomi of the Warri Reclamation Thrust lamented that the Itsekiri, unlike other Delta South ethnic groups, lacked senatorial representation, weakening their voice at the national level.
L-R
Omasan Lilywhite Esignone, Tosan Osandatuwa, Ani Ogharandukun, Chief Robinson Ariyo, Tsaye Edeyibo-Mene, Gbone Awala, Bright Omaghomi, Utseoritselaju Edeyibo and Misan Momorin
The book launch was not without drama, as some INEC officials reportedly walked out following scathing criticism of the commission.
Among those in attendance were Engr. Gabriel Arubi, Chief Wilbert Benson, Dr. Misan Afinotan, and a distinguished array of academics, lawyers, and politicians.
Others also present at the book launch included the representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Civil Society Organisations and Civil Society Actors.
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