Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the Federal Government to fully adopt and implement the recommendations of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, in honor of the late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Okechukwu expressed his condolences following the recent passes of renowned legal icon Chief Mike Ejeagha and former Minister of Education, Prof. Jibril Aminu. He emphasized that the time was ripe to honor Justice Uwais’ legacy through concrete electoral reforms.

The Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee was established shortly after Nigeria’s contentious 2007 general elections. President Umaru Musa Yar’adua appointed the committee in response to widespread reports of malpractices tarnishing the electoral process. The committee, which submitted its comprehensive report in 2008, recommended a series of sweeping reforms aimed at ensuring electoral independence, curbing fraud, and bolstering democratic integrity across Nigeria.

Despite the report’s profound implications, Okechukwu lamented that nearly 17 years later, successive administrations have failed to implement its recommendations. He pointed out that the Uwais Report was designed to increase voter participation, minimize electoral malpractices, and establish transparent and credible election processes. Additionally, he noted its advocacy for public nominations of electoral commission chairmen and members at both national and state levels.

For Okechukwu, the most meaningful tribute to Justice Uwais would be the full adoption and implementation of his report’s principles. He argued that such measures are vital for restoring Nigeria’s democracy and achieving globally recognized electoral standards.

The APC stalwart urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate political will by amending the Nigerian Constitution to make the appointment of chairmen and members of the Electoral Commissions both at the federal and state levels a mandatory process. Such an amendment, he believes, would help address longstanding issues of electoral neutrality and transparency.

Okechukwu also highlighted that this reform could bolster local government financial autonomy and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s cordial relationships with the National Assembly and about 30 State Governors, coupled with widespread public support, provide a unique window of opportunity to implement these vital changes.

In closing, Okechukwu prayed for the repose of Justice Uwais, Chief Mike Ejeagha, and Prof. Jibril Aminu, emphasizing that honoring their legacies through meaningful electoral reforms is a national imperative.