Patience Leonard, PBA Journalism Mentee
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has urged all officials of the commission involved in the Osun State Governorship Election to uphold the code of conduct in their activities during the exercise.
The plea is contained in a message signed by the INEC chairman, released on Friday, ahead of the election scheduled for, July 16th 2022 across the state.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTo drive home his message, the Chairman reminded them of the commission’s success in the elections conducted in the past, especially, the last month poll in Ekiti State, which he described as being “free, fair, credible and all inclusive”.
Other elections according to the INEC Chairman considered to be free and fair include that of Ekiti, Edo, Ondo and Anambra State on June 18th, 2022, September 15th, 2022, October 10th 2020, November 6th 2021 respectively.
Yakubu remarked that Nigerians would hold them responsible for their promises made during the “Peace Accord Signing Ceremony” held earlier in the week in the state.
He indicated that he had assured the stakeholders and the people of Osun State that the Commission will not do anything to sabotage the election.
“We have made adequate arrangements for the election. We have promised a level playing field for all. The security agencies have assured us of safety.”
Yakubu therefore urged its subordinates to display high sense of ethics and professionalism in their conduct of the exercise.
“I appeal to you to uphold our code of conduct, display your usual sense of commitment and professionalism, remain above board and firmly resist any unethical behaviour. You must also stick to the Oath of neutrality to which we have all subscribed. I have the confidence in your ability to consolidate on our recent successes.”
The statement read “Exactly 27 days ago, we conducted and concluded the Ekiti Governorship election that was widely adjudged to be free, fair, credible, and inclusive. The feat was happily an elongation of the earlier successes recorded in Edo and Ondo States on 15th September and 10th October 2020, and in Anambra State on 6th November 2021. The sheer determination, resilience, and competence displayed by all of you, our members of staff, made it possible for the Commission to achieve these lofty goals.
“As you are aware, the Osun State Governorship election will hold on Saturday. I have assured our stakeholders and the people of Osun State that the Commission will not do anything to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. We have made adequate arrangements for the election. We have promised a level playing field for all. The security agencies have assured us of safety.
“The people of Osun State and Nigerians will understandably hold us to our promise on election day. They will observe our attitude and behaviour from the opening to the closing of polls. They will particularly observe our management of the election results and measure the extent of our adherence to the extant laws through every stage of the electoral process.
“I appeal to you to uphold our Code of Conduct, display your usual sense of commitment and professionalism, remain above board and firmly resist any unethical behaviour. You must also stick to the Oath of Neutrality to which we have all subscribed. I have the confidence in your ability to consolidate on our recent successes.”
