TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised not to interfere with the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Critics of the current administration, especially members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have alleged that the electoral umpire has lost its independence under the Buhari-led government.

In October, Ayo Fayose, governor of Ekiti state, who is known for directing veiled criticisms at the president, said Mahood Yakubu, the new chairman of INEC, did not emerge through a “due process”.

“How can we have a president from the north and at the same time have INEC chairman from the Hausa/Fulani northern Nigeria?” he had asked.

“Obviously, what is being witnessed is more like a situation where it appears the president is more interested in having someone malleable to him than serving the interest of Nigeria and its people.”

But speaking on Monday during the swearing in of the chairman and five national commissioners at the presidential villa in Abuja, Buhari said he would respect the independence of the organisation.

“I will not interfere with the operations of INEC,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to work towards strengthening the electoral system and also advocated for the prosecution of electoral offenders.

Buhari also appealed to the judiciary to address the shortcomings in the administration of justice, saying the nation would not be on the right path if adequate steps are not taken to put an end to impunity.

“It’s not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered. It would be much better if all whose actions or inactions led to the cancellation of such election to be investigated and if culpable prosecuted whether they are individuals as candidates or party agents,” he said.

“It is long overdue that our justice system addresses these shortcomings.”

He charged the electoral officers to conduct credible elections and work towards improving their work ethics.

“You must respect the law and we will hold you bound by the oath, which you have just taken. The nation has reposed a lot of trust and confidence in you. You cannot afford to fail,” he said.

“I am aware of the federal government’s constitutional constraints in its engagement with the state’s electoral bodies. But the government has a social responsibility to protect the democratic rights of all.

“I am of the view that it is totally unacceptable to hide under the cover of the technicality of law to deny the citizens’ rights.

“Accordingly, the federal government is considering a different strategy of engagement with state governments on how to make state electoral commissions much freer than many are today.

“In almost all the states, the party of the sitting government wins all the council elections, while there is nothing wrong with that if it is the true wish of the people – but majority of Nigerians more often than not think it is not, hence, have little respect for the outcome of our council elections.

“This is responsible for questioning the integrity of such election winners throughout their tenure.’’

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, were among the dignitaries at the occasion.

The new national commissioners are Antonia Okoosi (north-central), Amina Zakari (north-west), Solomon Soyebi (south-west), Baba Arfo (north-east) and Muhammed Lecky (south-south).