EXCITING NEWS: TNG WhatsApp Channel is LIVE…
Subscribe for FREE to get LIVE NEWS UPDATE. Click here to subscribe!
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again expressed worries over the menace of vote buying that particularly took a new dimension with the Ekiti state gubernatorial election of recent.
TheNewsGuru reports that at a training organized for INEC legal staff and Police officers on prosecution of electoral offences, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC National Commissioner and Chair, Legal Services Committee, said the commission cannot stand aloof and allow its efforts in planning successful elections be thrown into disrepute.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Agbamuche said, “There is the need to prevent, curtail and manage various electoral offences”.
She further stated that “recent happenings in Ekiti State during the just concluded Gov. election has thrown up the need for a closer look at our prosecutorial efforts in the area of electoral offences.
“Vote buying has become an issue as witnessed in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and INEC cannot stand aloof and allow its efforts in planning successful elections be thrown into disrepute. We must protect the secrecy and sanctity of the vote”.
TheNewsGuru reports prosecution of electoral offences is a duty enjoined upon the INEC by virtue of Section 150(2) of the electoral Act 2010 (As amended) while police officers are empowered to arrest and investigate offenders by section 4 of the Police Act CAP P19 LFN.
“The duty of prosecution of electoral offences has become a burden on INEC. Consequently, over the years the INEC has been advocating the transfer of this responsibility to another agency, preferably the creation of Electoral Offences Commission.
“The Commission has received support in this quest by various Electoral Reform Committees set up by the Government over the years, Civil Society Organisations and well meaning Nigerians.
“Presently, there is a bill before the National Assembly that has passed its second reading on the creation of the Electoral Offences Commission. We must contend with the status quo; so responsibility still remains with INEC and we must perform our duty.
“I wish to state that the Commission is fully determined to fulfill its responsibilities in the area of prosecuting electoral offences while hoping that the Electoral Offences Commission is set up eventually.
“The idea of this training is well conceived as the interaction and dialogue between our Legal Officers and Police Officers will go a long way in removing some bottlenecks in the prosecution of electoral Offences,” Mrs. Agbamuche stated.