427 Lawyers Volunteer to Render Pro Bono Services to INEC

 

The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro-bono services to the Commission

Speaking on investigation on the Conduct of some of its official, the INEC Chairman disclosed that the Nigeria Police has concluded its investigation on the conduct of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State and submitted the case file to the Commission. “Appropriate action will be taken in a matter of days and Nigerians will be fully informed”.

 

 He said: “We are presently looking at all the evidence of infractions during the election, including the prosecution of offenders. We are looking at the activities of all actors involved in the election, including some of our high-ranking officials.

 

Prof. Yakubu also confirmed that the Commission has received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 General Election. He said “We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute the alleged offenders.    

 

“They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement the Commission will provide a token amount to cover for filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, for this historic collaboration. Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations”, he said.

 

Speaking on the Conduct of RECs and the Conduct of Future elections, the INEC Chairman noted that the work of the Commission is enormous, and urged Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to remain loyal to their oath of office.

 

Addressing the RECs, he said “we are commencing these debriefings with you because you are central to the conduct of elections. Many of you performed very well during the general election under extremely challenging circumstances. I commend you for that. However, a few of you did not properly manage the tasks lawfully bestowed upon you for which the Commission has taken some administrative action”

 

Commenting on the elections ahead, the INEC Chairman said, “as Resident Electoral Commissioners, you are no doubt aware, that there is no election season in Nigeria any longer. Numerous off-cycle and bye-elections are held throughout the period between one general election and another”.

 

He continued: “We are already confronted with four bye-elections as a result of resignation in the case of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State and death in respect of Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State and Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State.

 

“Furthermore, the Commission is preparing for three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, which are scheduled for 11th November 2023. We have already published the final list of candidates for the elections, and campaign in public officially commenced on 14th June 2023. The Commission will soon commence the regular stakeholder engagements ahead of the elections”, the INEC Chairman added.