2023: Shun Partisanship, INEC boss warns Resident Electoral Commissioners
…. Swears 19 resident commissioners
Joel Oladele-Abuja
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has warned the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to shun partisanship in the discharge of their official duties and always bear in mind the commission’s commitment to free, fair, credible, transparent and verifiable elections.
Yakubu sounded this warning during the swearing in ceremony of 19 Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja.
He reminded them that even though the task is difficult, their loyalty should be to Nigeria and Nigerians by ensuring that votes determine winners in the 2023 General Election as they owe nothing to any individual but owe everything to the Nigerians.
According to the INEC boss, the commission has over the years worked tirelessly to reform the electoral process and introduced many innovations that are generally acknowledged to have improved the electoral process hence they must continue to ensure that the choices Nigerians make on election day prevail.
“I am glad to note that each one of you brings to the Commission knowledge and experience in various fields. In terms of professional background, nine (9) of you are from academia, including Professors; two (2) lawyers; an Accountant; a retired Ambassador and six (6) civil/public servants, including retired Permanent Secretaries.
“As I welcome you to the Commission, I urge you to settle down quickly and familiarise yourselves with the demands of your new responsibilities, always bearing in mind our commitment to free, fair, credible, transparent and verifiable elections.
“With exactly 113 days to the 2023 General Election, we are aware that the task ahead of us is not easy but we must never disappoint Nigerians. Our loyalty is to Nigeria and our allegiance is to Nigerians. Only their votes should determine winners in the 2023 General Election. Nothing more, nothing less. There should be no deviation from this path of honour and integrity.
“Over the years, the Commission has worked tirelessly to reform the electoral process and introduce many innovations that are generally acknowledged to have improved the electoral process. In doing so, we will continue to acknowledge the sacrifice and dedication of our hardworking staff.
“As you are deployed to the States of the Federation, you will be responsible for human and material resources. Work with the staff and be guided by the provisions of the law and our various Regulations and Guidelines.” Yakubu said
Speaking further, he urged them to avoid any visit to politicians during and after work hours as that can breed unnecessary familiarities which can make them compromise the neutrality of the Commission or create the perception of partisanship so as to guard against mischief.
“Furthermore, you will also interact with various stakeholders. You should maintain the established practice of consultation with them. However, in dealing with the general public, you should be guided by the provisions of the Commission’s Code of Conduct.
“You should not be visitors to Government Houses and must never hold unofficial meetings with politicians, even after official working hours. All matters pertaining to official responsibilities should be conducted in the office attended by the relevant staff and properly documented. This is your best protection against mischief. Do not compromise the neutrality of the Commission or create the perception of partisanship.
“In discharging your responsibilities, you must at all times be transparent and non-partisan while remaining firm and courageous. You owe nothing to any individual but owe everything to the Nigerian people. We must continue to ensure that the choices they make on Election Day prevail.
“It is their decision. We are only administering the process in trust supported by technology. On this note, let me once again emphasise that the only means of voter accreditation during the 2023 General Election is the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) while results will be uploaded to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) in real-time on Election Day as provided by law.
“In line with the Commission’s current practice, Resident Electoral Commissioners are deployed to States within their geo-political zones. However, no one will serve in his/her State of origin throughout your tenure.”
