INEC is no longer independent – Deputy Senate President

Ekweremadu made the comment on Tuesday, December 13, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during a retreat organized by the Presidential Committee on Constitution Review.

“Nigeria is sadly on the part of decline in its leadership role in Africa in almost all sectors, including electoral system. The word ‘independent’ in the name of our election management body, INEC, is critical and must be defended and preserved if our democracy must survive,” he said.

“The Bible says that if salt loses its saltiness, it becomes worthless and can only be thrown away. The word ‘independent’ is the salt in our election management body. All the past reforms and the present efforts will be meaningless if we sit back and watch some desperate politicians destroy the independence of our electoral umpire.

“The world is watching too. We must ensure that INEC is retained to INEC in name and practice, not just National Electoral Commission as it is presently and dangerously drifting to. Inconclusiveness, postponement, cancellation and manipulation are dangerous signs on the road to 2019,” he added.

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Ekweremadu also suggested that INEC officials and security agents who participate in electoral malpractices should be jailed.