Former Minister of Petroleum Prof. Tam David-West has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrest and prosecute Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, for alleged illegal possession of Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines.
The machines were allegedly found in Clark’s home in Warri, Delta State.
David-West made the call during an interview in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.
Clark has explained that the commission is aware that the machines are in his home.
He said they were meant for Ayakoromor community in Burutu Local Government.
Clark said the community chose his house as its centre for the registration because many residents were displaced during the face-off between the Joint Military Task Force and militant leader John Togo last December.
David-West insisted that the Ijaw elder must be made to face the law.
He said: "Clark must be arrested and prosecuted because INEC has said that it does not keep machines in the homes of individuals.
"The commission needs to establish its credibility. Clark is one of the loudest supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan. Discovery of DDC machines in his home compromises the integrity of Mr President and his vow for free and fair election. He should be prosecuted."
On the exercise, David-West said the difficulties experienced were unimaginable.
He said they shook the hope of having free and fair elections in April.
The ex-minister said it took him three hours to register.
He wondered how professionals and students could spare such enormous time to register.
He said: "I am not a prophet of doom but I am very circumspect when it comes to socio-political analysis.
"It is said that a job well begun is half done. On the contrary, a job badly started is ominous for the entire project.
"I am not blaming Prof. Attahiru Jega at all; I’m blaming politicians, who have refused to change their style of politics."
via: the nation
