President Goodluck Jonathan has explained why he sacked the former National Population Commission chairman, Mr. Festus Odimegwu.
He made the revelation whilst speaking during swearing in of the new NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Iheoma (SAN).
He said: “When we have a country that the population is growing than the way our economy is growing, then we must know our population figures, so that government at federal, state and local levels will be able to plan.
“The population commission is critical and you also have to be mindful about the statements you make and that is not limited to the national population commission alone, but to all of us who are holding offices.
“You must be very mindful and not make statements that will create problem for the society.”
Addressing the new chairman, the President said: “I dropped your predecessor because of certain statements he made.
“He is a fine gentleman, everybody knows him, very cerebral. But an institution like the National Population Commission must be one that people will believe in whatever you do.
“And if you make pronouncements that will create credibility problem to that institution, the best thing is for you to step aside for some other person to step in because the credibility of that institution is critical.
“Perception in most cases are stronger than real, no matter what you do if the perception is wrong then society will not follow you,” the president charged.
Odimegwu had stated that the only credible elections in this country was the one carried out in 1816. This drew the ire of Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso who called on the President to relieve Odimegwu of his position.
Kwankwaso had said, “We are not happy about that appointment and think that it was a mistake. Festus shouldn’t be there in the first place…because he cannot be the chairman of NPC and at the same time be attacking what his predecessor had done.”