Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Matthew Atungwu
Published on 2024-02-02 11:24:32
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Adamawa State took an oath of neutrality on Friday in preparation for the Mayo-Belwa State Constituency by-election scheduled for the following day. The by-election will feature candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vying for the seat in seven units of the constituency.
In total, 28 polling officials, four collation officers, 13 supervisors, and four Registration Area Technical Support staff, along with others, participated in the oath-taking ceremony. Murtala Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Oath in the Federal High Court, Yola, presided over the administration of the oath. He emphasized the importance of fidelity to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the exercise and advised the officials to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities in accordance with the Constitution of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and the guidelines issued by INEC.
Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamu Gujungu, also addressed the officials, urging them to approach their responsibilities with sincerity and honesty. He encouraged them to perform their duties as a solemn commitment between themselves and their conscience. This call for integrity is significant, especially in a democratic process where the outcome of an election can significantly impact the lives of the citizens.
The oath of neutrality and the reminders from the Commissioner for Oath and the acting Resident Electoral Commissioner reinforce the importance of fair and transparent electoral processes. It is essential for all officials involved in the election to be impartial and committed to upholding the principles of democracy. By taking the oath, the officials demonstrate their dedication to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a manner that is consistent with the laws and regulations governing elections in Nigeria.
The oath-taking ceremony serves as a reminder of the significant responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those tasked with overseeing the by-election. The officials play a crucial role in ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people, without bias or undue influence.
It is commendable that the officials took the oath of neutrality, as it demonstrates their commitment to upholding the values of democracy and the rule of law. Their willingness to solemnly pledge their allegiance to the Constitution and the electoral guidelines is a positive step towards ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
As the Mayo-Belwa State Constituency by-election approaches, the importance of upholding neutrality, integrity, and transparency in the electoral process cannot be overstated. The oath taken by the officials underscores the critical role they play in safeguarding the integrity of the election and upholding the democratic principles that are essential for a functioning and representative government.
By administering the oath of neutrality and emphasizing the importance of sincerity and honesty in carrying out their duties, the officials are reminded of the weight of their responsibilities. Their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring a fair electoral process is essential for the credibility and legitimacy of the by-election.
In conclusion, the oath-taking ceremony for the INEC officials in Adamawa State is a significant step towards ensuring a free, fair, and credible Mayo-Belwa State Constituency by-election. The officials’ pledge of neutrality and commitment to upholding the electoral guidelines is vital in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the outcome reflects the will of the people. As the election approaches, the importance of impartiality, integrity, and transparency in the electoral process cannot be overstated, and the officials’ adherence to the oath is a positive indication of their dedication to conducting a fair and credible by-election.
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