INEC working with 427 lawyers to prosecute electoral offenders: Mahmood Yakubu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, says the commission is working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute electoral offenders in the general elections.
During a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, Mr Yakubu said the NBA had provided a list of 427 lawyers offering pro bono services.
“Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the commission,” said Mr Yakubu.
He added, “They are not charging legal fees, but by mutual agreement, the commission will provide a token amount to cover filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its president, Yakubu Maikyau, for this historic collaboration.”
The INEC chairman announced that the commission had received 216 case files related to the 2023 general elections.
He said the files include one on the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, and 215 other electoral offenders.
Mr Yakubu emphasised that INEC thoroughly examines all evidence of infractions during the elections and is committed to prosecuting the offenders.
According to the INEC chairman, the examination also extends to the activities of high-ranking officials within the commission.
Mr Yakubu assured that appropriate action would be taken within days, and the public would be duly informed.
To address vote buying and associated violations, he said INEC is working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to prosecute such cases.
Moreover, INEC has received reports from 54 accredited national and international observers.
The chairman urged RECs and senior officials to lead discussions on all aspects of the election, encouraging frank and constructive dialogue.
Mr Yakubu said the review would cover various areas, including the operational processes for Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and general elections, the legal framework for elections, and technology in the electoral process.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Cross River speaker calls for arrest of gay party organisers in Calabar
On June 30, a hotel in the Ekorinim area of Calabar played host to a gay drag party condemned by many stakeholders in the state.
States
Suspected IPOB attackers open fire on Nigerians in Ebonyi market
The armed men stated that the release of Mr Kanu was the only condition for ending the sit-at-home order enforced in the South-East.
Hot news Home top
Buhari regime used licence, frequency allocations to capture radio stations for APC’s electoral gains: European Union
The report noted improved diversity of political commentary across the southern parts of Nigeria than in the northern territories.
Health
189,310 children lack access to routine immunisation in South-West: NPHCDA
The NPHCDA boss said the children never received any form of vaccination effort.
States
Gov. Namadi sends list of 16 commissioner-nominees to Jigawa Assembly
The list includes former commissioners who served under Mr Namadi’s predecessor, Muhammad Badaru-Abubakar.
Kano
Ganduje’s commissioner remanded for N1 billion fraud
The defendant, a commissioner to former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, is charged with giving false information and cheating.
