INEC Offices And Fire Incidences: Desperate Politicians, By Barr. Temitope Omotayo

The burning down of INEC offices during electioneering processes has come to form a political pattern that could be deduced as political interference in the electoral processes.

Most of our politicians are very desperate. This could be revealed in their actions and inactions during electioneering periods. It was reported during general election periods in 2019 that several INEC offices were burnt down. For instance, INEC offices in Abia, Plateau, Anambra states, and so on.

The recent burning down of INEC office in Ondo State is unfortunate as it was reported that over 5, 000 card readers belonging to INEC were raze down by the fire incident. This will have negative effect in the ongoing process of the gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

The electoral umpire needs to put necessary logistics in place as to prevent future occurrences especially when elections are knocking at the doors as to avoid economic wastages and political brouhaha.

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The burning of INEC offices would no longer be used as a means to thwart the political will of the people.

INEC as an electoral umpire must put an end to such manipulative and disruptive strategy. If INEC is to be considered as serious in carrying out its statutory function, then it must make provisions for contingencies; whether man-made or natural.

The citizenry must henceforth reject any excuse from the umpire. It must be ready to take up the umpire for any laxity demonstrated on their part.

Barrister Tope is an Economist and Legal Practitioner. He can be reached on [email protected].