Akunyili, Ribadu, El-Rufai Tipped For INEC Chairmanship As Iwu Seeks Return

ABUJA April 30, (THEWILL) - As Acting President Goodluck Jonathan initiates processes for the disengagement of Professor Maurice Iwu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), indication emerged today that the Presidency is now under pressure from some powerful blocs over his replacement.

This is just as Iwu himself has intensified his lobby at the Presidential Villa and the Senate for a second five-year term in office.

Iwu whose first tenure expires on June 5, 2010 had refused to hand over at the INEC headquarters in spite of directives from the Acting President, who had ordered him to proceed on a pre-disengagement leave with immediate effect.

Iwu at a meeting with staffers of the commission said he could still be addressed and regarded as the substantive chairman of the electoral body until June 5, 2010 and insisted that " I can still be reached till June 5, 2010."

However, THEWILL sources in Abuja hinted today that the Presidency is now under pressure over his replacement.

According to the source, Jonathan is seriously considering either the Minister of Information Dr. Dora Akunyili, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Rubadu and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Mallam Nasir El Rufai, who is scheduled to return to Abuja tomorrow (Saturday) from a self imposed exile.

However some faith based groups are calling for the appointment of pro-democracy activist, Catholic Reverend Father Matthew Kuka to head INEC.

Another source who confirmed that the Presidency is under pressure however noted that Jonathan as usual has kept his cool on the matter and has locked his preference for the position in his chest adding that the Acting President may spin a surprise on the matter.

Akunyili’s doggedness came to the public glare when as Chairman of Nigeria’s anti drug agency, NAFDAC she effectively checked activities of fake drug dealers in the country.