INEC Warns Desperate Politicians

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday in Abuja, warned politicians “whose mindset was to use security agencies to disrupt credible polls in April.”

Jega gave the warning at a forum organised by Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD) in collaboration with INEC.

The theme of the forum was “The Role of CSOs, the media and the police in election related Violence”.

Jega said there were concerns about the attitude and mindset of politicians on how they would engage security agencies during elections.

He said although security agencies should no longer be passive observers only, “but should become pro-active and not overzealous in the process”.

Jega, however, noted that there was still apprehension about the attitude and individual behaviour of different security agencies toward the success of the elections.

He said the inauguration of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would guarantee the harmonisation of different security agencies and ensure efficient utilisation of resources than duplication of efforts.

“There is a clear commitment on the part of the leadership of security agencies to ensure there is remarkable improvement compared to what was obtained before,” said Jega.

He added that there was a commitment from INEC and the security agencies to detect, arrest and prosecute those who are committing electoral offences.

Jega said the commission would also meet with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on March 17, to review its participation in the prosecution of electoral offenders.