THE Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), other stakeholders in the South-South and political party leaders have at the weekend advised President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint the out-going Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Mike Igini, as replacement for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, whose tenure ends at the end of the month.

Speaking at an event organised to honour Igini after his completion of the 2015 elections, Chairman of IPAC in the state, Mr. Frank Ukonga, said Igini has displayed the character of a leader that has the capacity to continue the reforms Jega had introduced into the Commission.

He said the few cases currently at the elections tribunal in the state was an indication of the credibility of the elections he conducted in the state.

Other persons, who shared this view included former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, state chairmen of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Anselm Ojezua and Dan Orbih respectively, Paul Bebeminibo and members of civil society groups.

Owie said: “Since Igini became a REC about five years ago, he has made the South-South proud due to his incorruptible stand, his genuine belief in free, fair and credible elections and his pursuit for the truth. As a man of character himself and one who believes in our electoral process, we should not waste the talent of this young man. He should be given a chance to head INEC so that Nigerians will benefit from his wealth of experience.”

On his part, Ojezua noted: “It is very obvious that Igini has provided leadership in Edo INEC. The outcome of the elections in Edo State is the reason why you have a few number of persons going to the tribunal. If you look at other states in the South-South and South-East, the RECs in those states connived with some political parties to manufacture results both in the presidential and National Assembly elections but in Edo State, you did not do that. It shows the kind of person you are and that is why we are calling on the Federal Government to look in your direction when appointing the next INEC chairman so as to consolidate on the good works of Prof. Jega.”