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Vows to combat all forms of election rigging
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, has restated that the credibility of the commission’s electoral system is the very foundation upon which the nation’s democracy stands.
The INEC Chairman said this on Tuesday in Abuja while swearing in Professor Adeniran Tella, as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
Tella was posted to Oyo State.
Amupitan declared that the integrity of INEC’s elections is non-negotiable.
He harped on the pertinent need for all to stand united to restore and uphold the integrity and credibility of the commission’s elections.
Declaring that INEC has resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying,
Amupitan said, “The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred”.
During the ceremony, which took place at the Zambezi crescent, Maitama, Abuja, headquarters of the the commission, the INEC Chairman charged the REC, Prof Tella to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every action he takes.
In the words of Amupitan, “My tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission began with a clear and unwavering mandate: to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“This mission is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is a moral and legal duty we owe to every citizen.
“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands.
“Your role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is absolutely critical to the success of this democratic project.
“I must be unequivocal and I admonish you that the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.
“I charge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every action you take.
“As I have emphasized to my colleagues, and I now emphasize to you: Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated.
“You must focus on transparency, strictly adhering to every guideline and every procedure laid out by the Commission and the Electoral Act.
“We also have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the electoral system is above reproach.
“Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted.
“Your primary goal must be to instill in the voters of your state the confidence that their choice truly counts.
“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred.
“Go forth, Professor Tella, and work collaboratively with our staff to ensure your state is a beacon of hope and democratic values.
“Let us stand united to restore and uphold the integrity and credibility of our elections.
“It is how we go about this that will determine how we address voter apathy and other challenges that have bedeviled our electoral system.
“May I end by posting you back to Oyo State, where we expect you to continue to put in your best. Congratulations, and God bless you, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the INEC Chairman stated.
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