INEC set to punish its officials who may have been found wanting in the just concluded election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to punish its officials, including ad-hoc or collation personnel, who may have been found wanting in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
INEC chairman, prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja at a meeting with Residents Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
According to him, “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 that are regular or ad hoc officials, including collation and Returning Officers, must not be involved in forthcoming elections. RECs must also immediately initiate disciplinary action where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established”.
He also informed the RECs that logistics for the election must be finalized days before the election and handled by the Electoral Officers (EOs) at Local Government level.
“RECs will be held responsible for any tardy arrangement or the failure to deploy electric power generators to collation centers or polling units where such facilities are needed. The Commission has enough facilities in all the states of the federation.” He declared.
The chairman also stated that refresher training must be conducted for ad hoc staff who participated in the last election, adding that where they are replaced for good reason, they must be properly trained so that processes are not delayed or compromised at any stage.
He said the commission has received reports arising from last week’s election from its state offices as well as complaints and petitions from political parties and candidates.
According to him, where infractions of any kind are proven, there will be redress, adding that any action taken by the commission is without prejudice to the rights of parties and candidates to seek further remedy as provided by law.