Yakubu Warns INEC Staff Against Complicity With Politicians
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned its
staff against complicity with politicians or their agents to subvert the
electoral process ahead of next year’s general elections. Chairman of
the INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who gave the warning at the swearing-in
of the new Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony,
yesterday, in Abuja, said all officials of the commission must remain
neutral in the discharge of their duties.He stressed: “As we approach
next year’s general elections, the commission will pay attention to the
conduct of our officials from the headquarters to the states and local
government areas.
“We will not tolerate the complicity of staff
with political actors or their agents to subvert the electoral process.
All officials of the Commission must remain neutral in the discharge of
their duties and committed to protecting the sanctity of the
process.”Yakubu added that the Commission had been inundated by
applications from several groups within the country requesting to be
accredited as observers for the elections, including support groups of
candidates contesting in the elections, a development he said was
“unacceptable,” as observers are neutral groups interested only in the
process and not agents of political parties, candidates or campaign
organisations.
He stated: “The purpose of accrediting observers
for elections is a noble one intended to increase the transparency and
openness of the process. The reports of observers also serve as a useful
feedback mechanism for strengthening our processes and procedures.
“It
is, therefore, counter-productive for such an important process to
become an all-comers business.“Going forward, the Commission has revised
the guidelines for the accreditation of observers. Interested
organisations are required to apply to the Commission. Details will be
published this weekend and early next week in national newspapers and on
the Commission’s website.
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