Addressing journalists in Enugu State, the LEAD Executive Director, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, called for thorough investigation of the brazing impunity of the REC and his possible prosecution to prevent future occurrence.
A civic organisation, the Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Advocacy (LEAD) Network Africa, has decried the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari describing it as a total reflection of personal interest above national interest and values.
Addressing journalists in Enugu State, the LEAD Executive Director, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, called for thorough investigation of the brazing impunity of the REC and his possible prosecution to prevent future occurrence.
SaharaReporters reported that Yunusa-Ari, without following due process, unilaterally declared the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs Aishatu Bunani, winner of the Adamawa Governorship Election on Sunday while the collation of local government results were still ongoing.
This was without minding that he haD no legal authority as REC to declare the result other than an INEC appointed Returning Officer of the election.
INEC, however, after few minutes of his misleading declaration on Sunday, declared the pronouncement null and void.
The commission further stopped election collation in the state and invited top officials of INEC in the state to its headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, Okenwa said, “The action of the REC in Adamawa State is a reflection of how in some cases personal interest is esteemed above National Interest and Values. It is a clear abuse of public trust for private gain.
“How could Hudu Yunusa-Ari who is a key leader in the institution charged with electoral integrity condescend so low, to the point of disregarding the sensibilities of over 200 million Nigerians who are co-stakeholders of the electoral act and processes?”
According to him, individuals like Hudu should be made to feel the weight of the law, else this level of electoral rascality may become a reference point for repeated patterns.
The executive director said that “the action of Hudu is an opportunity for us as a people to demand what we deserve and that is mutual respect and regards for our national dignity."