Northern groups under the auspices of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have commended President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their firm stance on accountability in the dismissal of three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.
The groups, in separate statements made available to newsmen in Kaduna over the weekend, said they believed that such a decision is a bold step towards restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process and promoting ethical conduct among election officials.
They applauded President Tinubu’s request to the Senate to terminate the appointments of the suspended RECs, as it aligns with constitutional oversight provisions and demonstrates a commitment to upholding electoral integrity.
AYCF, in its statement signed by President General Yerima Shettima, said the forum acknowledges INEC’s efforts in upholding electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State for electoral fraud during the 2019 elections as a significant victory against election malpractice.
Shettima said the successful prosecution sets an important precedent and sends a strong message to those who seek to compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, confidence in the electoral system will be restored, and citizens can have faith in the fairness and transparency of future elections.
He urged other stakeholders, such as the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the police, other security agencies, and political parties, to follow suit by enforcing internal disciplinary measures against individuals who engage in misconduct during elections.
“This call for accountability extends beyond electoral officials and emphasises the importance of all parties involved in the electoral process upholding ethical standards and conducting themselves with integrity. By working together to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria, stakeholders can contribute to the establishment of a stronger democracy for the nation as a whole.”
Similarly, NAN, in its statement signed by Chairman Salihu Suleiman, also acknowledges the complexity of disciplinary processes within INEC and expresses appreciation for the time it took for the suspended RECs to be dismissed, adding that it recognises that adherence to due process is essential in maintaining the credibility of the electoral system and ensuring that decisions are made fairly and transparently.
“By taking time to investigate and follow proper procedures, INEC demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its operations, which is crucial for building public trust in the electoral process.
“Adherence to due process ensures that actions taken are justified and transparent. This, in turn, reinforces the credibility of the electoral system, as decisions are based on established norms and legal frameworks rather than arbitrary judgement.
“Moving forward, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders can play a significant role in consolidating democracy in Nigeria. Ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections is a shared responsibility,” Suleiman stated.
Both groups expressed their solidarity with INEC and President Tinubu in their efforts to promote accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process while calling on all Nigerians to support such initiatives and work towards building a stronger democracy for the nation.
For them, holding individuals accountable for their actions, enforcing ethical standards, and upholding the principles of transparency and integrity, stakeholders can contribute to the establishment of a fair and inclusive electoral system that serves the interests of all citizens.
The groups also averred that the conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State for electoral fraud further reflects the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions during the electoral process. They added that such legal actions signal to the public and potential offenders that ethical violations will have consequences.
“The relationship between accountability and integrity is crucial for enhancing the legitimacy of electoral results and the overall democratic environment in Nigeria,” the groups stated.
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