In this interview with Jude Ossai, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, speaks on the planned delineation of constituencies by INEC.
INEC recently announced a fresh plan to delineate federal constituencies, what do you think should be the basis for the delineation exercise?
The primary basis for delineation of constituencies throughout history has been population, because population of constituencies varies at intervals depending on different factors. In countries where proper and credible census is conducted, it becomes easy to use population as a major plank in delineating constituencies.
The ultimate goal is anchored on the timeless and age long definition of democracy by Abraham Lincoln, that democracy is woven around the people -government for people by the people. Every election under liberal democracy has been classified as people’s referendum on the performance of the incumbent.
Given the fact that there has been no census, how do you think INEC go in the exercise?
I think it is better for INEC to wait for the forthcoming national census, which one is hopeful will be more transparent and credible.