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Attahiru Jega, the
chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must
be ready to become a miracle worker or magician to deliver all that he
has promised Nigerians ahead of the 2011 general elections, Ishola
Williams has said.

Speaking at the
11th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture held in Lagos yesterday, the retired
military general who spoke on the coming elections while referring to
the N87 billion for the commission said, “I do not know why he is
asking for that amount of money. He must have some reasons for doing
that, therefore, let us see what the outcome will be.

“But like I said
when he was taking over the job, he must be a superman or a magician to
do all that. Whether we like it or not, we have to vote.”

Forfeited chance

Mr Williams who
narrated his experience during the late Sani Abacha-led junta said, “I
will not agree with the cancellation of the election (1993 election)
and I told them then that if they are going to take over the
government, I will go, and then I left. I left with three days notice.
I couldn’t agree when Abacha took over and I left because I felt very
strongly and I still feel strongly about that election. That was the
second greatest mistake after decree number one that Nigeria made.

“That was the best
election we ever conducted, and what did we use? Option A4. In fact,
when my name was been tipped as the chairman of INEC, I said one of the
conditions that can make me take the job is if they allow option A4.”

Nigerians arise

Mr Williams also
urged Nigerians not to be disappointed if the Jega-led INEC’s promises
were not delivered and things did not turn out as expected, citing the
fact that Nigerians have so much relied on the leadership class for
change, despite the fact that the abetting and compromise of a teaming
percentage of the followers have allowed the leadership to go on
unchallenged.

According to him,
no matter the integrity of those that the government may be packing
into the electoral commission, Nigerians must realise their role in
ensuring the success of installing true governance.