metro

Reps ask INEC to move out of LG secretariats nationwide

Reps ask INEC to move out of LG secretariats nationwide

The House of Representatives has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), to relocate all its local government offices out of the premises of the 774 council headquarters in Nigeria to neutral grounds.

Most INEC offices at the local government level are domiciled inside the council Secretariats, which the House of Representatives said makes the INEC live in bondage of the council chairmen, particularly when there’s a domination of a single political party in the affected states.

The House of Representatives order followed the unanimous adoption of a motion, ‘Urgent Need To Relocate INEC Local Governments’ Offices To Neutral Venues,’ sponsored by the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo federal constituency, Prof Paul Nnamchi, on Wednesday.

Professor Nnamchi in his supporting arguments to the motion cited section 157 of the 1999 Constitution which according to him guaranteed INEC unhindered autonomy and independence to conduct national elections.

READ ALSO:

The Labour Party Rep stated that the majority of the INEC’s local government offices are currently situated within local government headquarters, arguing that it potentially hampers and compromises the independence of INEC in the conduct of elections.

“This proximity exposes INEC to undue interference by interest groups, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party and this impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended,” Nnamchi argued.

Professor Nnamchi who doubles as the House Committee Chairman on Nigeria Republic of Island Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Deputy Chairman, Southeast Development Commission further stressed that the relocation was necessary to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

The House after due considerations of the motion and the arguments put forward by Professor Nnamchi urged INEC to ensure that there is budgetary provisions in 2025 budget to commence the relocation process.

The House equally directed its Committee on Electoral Reforms to liaise with INEC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and report back to the house within four(4) weeks.

Reps ask INEC to move out of LG secretariats nationwide

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students

US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) has opened…

3 hours ago

200,000 repentant terrorists surrender, drop arms in North East – CDS

200,000 repentant terrorists surrender, drop arms in North East – CDS The Chief of Defence…

4 hours ago

Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025

Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025 Western University has announced that applications…

4 hours ago

Israeli strikes pound central Beirut, suburbs

Israeli strikes pound central Beirut, suburbs BEIRUT: Israeli strikes pounded a densely-populated part of the Lebanese…

4 hours ago

Robbers kill two members in shoot-out with Delta police

Robbers kill two members in shoot-out with Delta police The spokesperson for the police in Delta…

5 hours ago

Akwa Ibom businessman abducted, driver killed, police orderly injured

Akwa Ibom businessman abducted, driver killed, police orderly injured Gunmen kidnapped a prominent businessman, Dr. Samuel…

5 hours ago