ABIA: ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNALS JUDGMENT ;THE CARD READER PHENOMENON

Prof Atehiru Jega, the unsung Hero of modern Elections in Nigeria, left an unprecedented legacy. He, despite all frustrations and unnecessary obstacles put in his way by the last PDP Government of Goodluck Jonathan and aspiring election riggers, put a new meaning to electioneering process and free and fair election, which if strictly followed, will make sure that the peoples’ votes will count.  It was also designed to, forever, put the problem of election rigging and violence behind us as a people. 

The introduction of the Card Reader machines and establishment of INEC data base, which stores all data information from the Card Reader, was a welcome development. It took foresight, tolerance, perseverance and above all, love for one’s country from then INEC Chairman, Prof Jega, to accomplish that task. Thank God that he finally got the approval of both the PDP dominated National Assembly and former president Jonathan to bring in the Card Readers which cost the country billions of naira. It was not easy at all for the Prof, but history will vindicate him.