Ex-INEC Chief, Guobadia, Dies At 78

Jonathan Expresses Shock, Sadness

IN a rather uncanny denouement to the on-going voters’ registration exercise extended by one week and which ends today, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr Abel Guobadia died in the early hours of yesterday.

Guobadia, who would have been 79 by June this year, was said to have died “after a brief illness”.

When The Guardian visited his residence off Boundary Road, Benin City, yesterday afternoon, his younger brother, Chris was seen directing people around on what to do while Guobadia’s very close friends led by former President of the Customary Court, Justice Isaac Aluyi (Rtd) were at the entrance to the main house where the late Guobadia had always granted interviews to journalists.

Chris refused to make any official comment on the death as he said that the family was awaiting the arrival of Guobadia’s first son, Ibude.

As at the time of filing this report yesterday, no condolence register had been opened in the expansive compound but hundreds of sympathisers including family, friends and church members were trooping to his residence to pay their condolences.

Reacting to his death, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih described the loss as unfortunate as his experience would be needed for the April elections. “I think it is a big loss to the state and the nation especially at this time when his wise counsel is needed as we prepare for general election. He successfully conducted general election with very little acrimony. He was an honest and patriotic Nigerian and his level of patriotism was reflected in his areas of service to this nation. We pray God to grant him eternal rest.”

The Benin National Congress (BNC) in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity and Intelligence, David Ekomwenrenren described the death as “another great loss to the Binis and Nigerians at large.”

The statement described him as a meticulous member of the Benin intelligentia who believed in merit rather than tribal influence.

In his last public outing in September last year, Guobadia said it would take at least two years for Nigeria to have a permanent and credible voters’ register for elections. He also said security agents and electoral officers played much role in electoral manipulation in the country.

He was guest speaker at an event organised by the Benin Club where he noted that the integration of the computerized voters’ database and that of the geographic database of all the 120,000 polling units was crucial for the realization of a permanent register of voters.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed “shock and sadness” at the news of the passage of Guobadia.

In a statement in Abuja by Presidential Spokesman, Ima Niboro, President Jonathan recalled that Guobadia dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, in various capacities, but most notably as Chairman of INEC from 2000 to 2005.

The President praised the stewardship of the late Guobadia, noting that the country had lost an excellent public servant and diplomat. He stated that Guobadia passed on at a time his experience in election matters was most needed, as Nigeria prepares for the national elections in April, 2011.

President Jonathan expressed his condolences with the Guobadia family, the Government and people of Edo State and the nation at large, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed.

Source: Guardian Nigeria