Sacking Of Three INEC Commissioners Should Make Security Agencies Also Fish Out Bad Eggs – Advocacy Center
It added that such step would also ensure electoral integrity and accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) has said it backed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.
The center on Friday in a release by Ezenwa Nwagwu, its Executive Director, noted that the decision aligns with the constitutional oversight process and reinforces the need for accountability within Nigeria’s electoral system.
It added that such step would also ensure electoral integrity and accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“It is important to recall that the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, as far back as March 2023, suspended these officials in response to their actions, which compromised the neutrality and integrity of the commission.
“The Adamawa REC, Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari, unlawfully usurped the Returning Officer’s role during the Adamawa State governorship election, falsely declaring results. The Sokoto REC, Dr. Nura Ali, and the Abia REC, Mr. Ike Uzochukwu, were also suspended for dereliction of duty, with the Sokoto REC currently facing prosecution for bribery and corruption related to the 2023 elections,” the release said.
“PAACA also commends INEC for its successful prosecution of Professor Ignatius Uduk, who was recently sentenced to three years in prison by a High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for electoral fraud during the 2019 general elections. This landmark conviction demonstrates INEC’s commitment to combating electoral malfeasance and ensuring accountability among its personnel.
“PAACA commends this decisive action by INEC which demonstrates its commitment to accountability and its willingness to take internal measures to address misconduct within its ranks.
“We also call on political parties and security agencies to emulate INEC which has shown that it can hold its own personnel accountable for their actions. This is a significant step towards restoring public trust in the electoral process.
“Political parties and security agencies must take concrete steps to hold their personnel accountable for any actions that compromise the electoral process. This includes establishing robust mechanisms for investigating and disciplining errant personnel, which is essential for rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.
“The decision of President Bola Tinubu to formally request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the three RECS points to the fact that while some Nigerians argue about INEC’s regulatory powers, it is imperative to recognise the constitutional framework within which the commission operates,” the organisation added.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that the replacements for the dismissed RECs are individuals who are impartial and free from partisan interests. The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on having neutral and competent officials at the helm of election management.
“We call on the Senate to exercise due diligence in the confirmation process, ensuring that only individuals of unquestionable integrity are entrusted with these critical positions,” it noted.
