2019: INEC reads riot act to Fayose, others

By Emeka Nze Abuja–

Ahead of 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and their candidates who embark on illegal campaigns.

According to INEC, the release of timetable does not mean the commencement of campaigns.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state, last week declear his intention for 2019 presidency.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who gave this warning at the quarterly meeting with media executives yesterday, reminded those campaigning that INEC was still the only agency responsible for the release of timetable for campaigns and had not done so.

He stated that politicians, who were currently embarking on such campaigns, were doing so illegally.

“Th e release of timetable does not translate to beginning of political campaigns.

I want to use this opportunity, through the media, to draw the attention of political parties and candidates that are going round the country campaigning that INEC is the only agency responsible for the release of timetable for campaigns and has no done so.

Th at anything anybody does is illegal.

Wait for the time table for the election”, he said.

On discipline of staff , the INEC chairman said his commission was the fi rst that “in one fell swoop, disciplined 255 of its staff , who were involved in electoral malpractices.

He said under INEC’s terms and condition of service, erring staff ers were interdicted and placed on half salary until their innocence or so is established”.

He, however, said that among the commission’s staff , there were some dedicated personnel, saying that he was “very proud of them.

” He noted that the commission has instituted a reprobation and reward system whereby dedicated staff were honoured.

Th e INEC boss stated that report of those prosecuted would be made public as soon as the commission had concluded in the 21 states.

 

 

 

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