INEC will punish corrupt, unethical officers so says professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said the Commission will not tolerate unethical and corrupt practices from electoral officers. He said whoever does such will face the wrath of the law.

He spoke at the annual lecture organised by the Electoral Institute (TEI), with the theme ‘Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for Edo and Ondo off-cycle Governorship Elections’.

Prof. Yakubu, represented by Chairman of the Board of TEI. Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, noted that the success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it. He added that it is important that ‘personnel conducting the elections are knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral processes.

According to him, ‘there is the need for high sense of professionalism among election personnel, engendered by effective training because the crucial role they play in upholding the integrity of the democratic processes, cannot be overstressed’.

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Yakubu also stressed that the manner by which electoral officers discharge their duties and responsibilities affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the process which will impact on their participation and turn out.

He said: “To ensure credibility and trustworthiness in our elections, and build trust among the electorates, it is imperative that we prioritise the professional development of our election personnel.

“Consequently, the Commission has always demanded that all election officials be punctual, courteous, polite, and helpful at all times. Voters are the masters and should be treated equally, decently and with utmost respect.

“Unethical and corrupt practices by election officials will not be tolerated and shall incur severe punishments under the law. For these reasons, all election officials should be guided by a high sense of integrity, impartiality, transparency; professionalism; gender and disability sensitivity and due consideration and support for the elderly, expectant mothers, nursing mothers and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).