By Akinwale Kasali
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has condemned the spate of arson and vandalisation of its facilities.
On Sunday, one of its newest offices in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, was set ablaze, bringing the total number of INEC offices burnt and vandalised to 42 since 2019.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the Commission is engaging with relevant stakeholders to change the narratives, insisting that INEC remains committed to the discharge of its statutory responsibilities of improving and sustaining democracy in the country.
Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner, Adekunle Ademola, said that it was necessary for the Commission to meet towards the validation of INEC Strategic Plan 2022-2026.
The event held at Raddison Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, saw INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners and top officials brainstorming and navigating to develop a system to institutionalize continuous improvement at all levels towards its mandate.
Yakubu added that the retreat is targeted at strengthening the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.
In the same vein, INEC international development partners, European Union Support to Democratic Governance In Nigeria, ECES, applauded the initiative, saying that the Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 will facilitate an improved electoral environment ahead of the upcoming Governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun next year, and then the 2023 General Elections.
Project Coordinator and ECES Representative in Nigeria, Hamza Fassi-Fihri, expressed sympathy over the arson and attacks that the Commission faced post 2019 elections, stressing that it is quite unfortunate and regrettable situation that warrants an emergency action by all critical stakeholders and lovers of democracy to ensure this does not escalate further.
ECES promised to always stand by INEC and Nigerians to ensure that credible Election is held in the country.
