Date Published: 09/23/10

Re: Press Release

I wish to use this opportunity to inform you about my current position as the new state Chairman of African Renaissance Party (ARP)- Lagos state chapter and to express my sincere gratitude to the press in all their efforts in building a better society, particularly your media house.

As a major stakeholder of 2011 Nigeria general elections, I would also like to use this medium to put a request to Chairman of Independent national electoral commission in the person of  Prof. Attahiru Jega.

That while he would be appealing to the national assembly for necessary constitutional amendment that will allow INEC schedule general elections in April 2011, to also demand a slight amendment of our constitution on article 133. (1) (b) & 179. (2) (b) on the word TOTAL VOTES CAST  to read TOTAL VALID VOTES  CAST  which can now form the basis of calculating out the correct percentage in fulfilling  article 133. (1) (b) & 179. (2) (b) .

The current status of article 133. (1) (b) & 179. (2) (b) does not  clinically translate total votes cast as total valid votes cast, hence you already have a caption of  TOTAL VOTES CAST as the total sum of valid and invalid votes cast.

Though the constitution conveys responsibility and powers to the judiciary to interpret but not to amend words of the constitution that are simple, straight and spontaneous. 

You are already aware that this slight difference in words has cost so much damage to the judiciary and polity emanating from the post February 6th Anambra gubernatorial elections of 2010. 

To avoid a repeat in future elections, INEC must put this request forward with this new opportunity  that presents it’s self.

Thank you very much.

Udoka Udeogaranya

Chairman

08062203220