Communities hosting Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices and exercises nationwide must do more to protect the staff members and facilities of the commission, Adopt A Goal Initiative (AGGI) has said.
The group said that the protection of INEC’s personnel and property was the collective responsibility of the people and government, even as the commission prepares for the off-cycle elections and the 2023 polls.
AGGI also commended the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, for restoring the confidence of Nigerians and stakeholders in the electoral process.
AGGI, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, by its Executive Director, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, said, “INEC staff memberd who are working round the clock to register us and give us our PVC must never be allowed to live in fear of criminals and threats.:
It condemned the recent attacks on INEC personnel and property in some parts of the country, describing them as inhuman and unacceptable.
“Every community has a responsibility to
protect and secure election workers, especially members of the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) who are regularly deployed in locations to assist the commission.
“Our communities must complement the efforts of security agencies in providing adequate protection and support for INEC’s staff and property.
“The politicians and their foot soldiers must refrain from conducts and reckless rhetoric that could jeopardise the security and comfort of the regular and ad hoc staff of INEC.
“They deserve our support and protection before, during and after every election,” the statement said.
The CSO, however, implored INEC staff members to avoid the temptation of unscrupulous politicians to compromise the electoral process, warning that such could expose them to danger.
“The politician in party A who is tempting you today to compromise the rules may move to party B tomorrow and expose you as a threat; the only safe path is maintaining a high level of integrity and impartiality.
“We commend Mr Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, for demonstrating transparency, courage and insisting that the elections timetable will not be altered and shifted.
“His commitment to pursuing a credible process with vigour deserves our support and applause,” the statement said.
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