…Warns against unethical practices
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday, read the riot act to the commission’s electoral officers, declaring that any of them caught engaging in any unethical practices will be dealt with.
The INEC Chairman specifically said that anybody found perpetrating any unethical act would be made to face the full weight of the law.
Prof Yakubu was represented by the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru at the annual lecture organized 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.”
He pointed out that it was important that personnel responsible for the conduct of the elections are knowledgeable, skilled, and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.
He thus harped on the pertinent need for a high sense of professionalism amongst Election personnel.
According to him, “To ensure the credibility and trustworthiness in our elections and build trust among the electorates, we must prioritize the professional development of our election personnel.
“Consequently, the Commission has always demanded that all Election Officials should 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”, he said.
Continuing, the INEC Chairman added, “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, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“Effective and Efficient Electoral Training is the key to unlocking professionalism among election personnel. Hence, the Commission is unequivocal in its drive to equip its Staff cum Trainers with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to excel in their roles by investing in comprehensive and interactive training programs as well as exploring possible collaboration with development partners to achieve best practices in electoral training.
“Through training, the Commission is able to deepen electoral knowledge and strengthen the skills and competencies of personnel over time, build a pool of professional and efficient trainers/facilitators that is responsive to the training needs of Commission staff and other electoral stakeholders.”
