INEC Reads Riot Act, Warns RECs, Bars Errant Staff From Guber Polls
BY EDMOND ODOK – Still smarting from its public bashing over the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has banned all staff found negligent from participating in the March 11 governorship and state assemblies elections.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, who read the riot act at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Saturday, said; “As we approach the governorship and state assembly elections, we must work harder to overcome the challenges experienced in the last election. Nothing else will be acceptable to Nigerians.
“All staff found to be negligent, whether they are regular or ad hoc officials, including collation and returning officers (ROs), must not be involved in forthcoming elections.
“RECs must also immediately initiate disciplinary action where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established”.
According to him, Saturday’s meeting was the third in less than two months and like the last two meetings, the purpose was to discuss the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, arising from the presidential and National Assembly elections held a week ago, and with the governorship and state assembly elections holding next week.
Prof Mahmoud, while appreciating the sacrifice and doggedness of Nigerians, also acknowledged the dignity and maturity displayed by political leaders even in the face of divergent views being expressed about the election
The INEC boss further admitted lots of lessons had been learned, adding that of immediate concern to the electoral umpire is how the identified challenges can be addressed as the nation approach the concluding phase of the general election.
He noted that this last phase involves the largest number of constituencies being 28 state governorship elections and 993 state Houses of assembly seats to be contested by political parties’ candidates across the country.
