THE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr Mike Igini has said three lecturers involved in electoral malpractice during the 2019 general elections have been sacked.
Igini made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Uyo, on Tuesday.
He disclosed that the sack of the lecturers was, “iIn line with the extant rules and the power of the commission to appoint, dismiss and to exercise disciplinary control over its staff.
“The lecturers, who were engaged as Collation and Returning Officers during the 2019 general elections, were reported to have manipulated and falsified election results.
“Following a formal request by the Commission, the authorities of the affected institutions released the lecturers to appear before an investigative panel set up by INEC Headquarters on August 12 and 26, 2020.
“As I speak to you, not less than three of the staff of the commission from the ICT Unit and those in the rank of executive and administrative officers were also involved in actions that completely undermined the electoral process and integrity of the commission.
“A panel we set up subsequently established a prima facie documentary evidence of deliberate criminal manipulation of election results against the Collation/Returning Officers.
“This action has become absolutely necessary because of the unsustainable belief by some members of the public that the commission does not sanction persons involved in electoral malpractices during elections.
“We must have an institution that has integrity to protect the will of the people in any election.
“Punishing those involved in unwholesome electoral activities will serve as a lesson and a clear message to those who will be engaged by INEC in future.
“It is good for them to know that INEC in Akwa Ibom will always be transparent.
“People engaged as presiding officers are a very important link; they are the last set of people in charge of election materials, particularly the ballot papers and result sheets.”
