Buhari seeks prosecution of election offenders

President Buhari in a group photograph with the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu and the National Commissioners, after the swearing in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Monday. Photo: Akin Oladokun
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday called for prosecution of electoral offenders in the country.
He made the call while swearing-in the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and five National Commissioners of INEC in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President said it is not enough for election tribunals to just cancel or order fresh elections.
He said: “Another area of concern is the justice administration of the election tribunals. It is long overdue that our justice system addresses these shortcomings. It is not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered.
“It would be much better if all whose actions or inactions led to the cancellation of such election to be investigated and if culpable prosecuted whether they are individuals as candidates or party agents, Institutions such as political party, electoral body, or public officers as electoral staff or security agents.
“Similarly, perpetrators of electoral violence and thuggery should not be spared. Unless our system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices we can hardly get it right. No system endures with impunity.”
Promising to respect the independence of the Commission, Buhari said his government will not interfere with its operations.
The Commissioners that took oath of office on Monday included Mrs. Amina Zakari, Mr. Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, Prof. Antonia Taiye Okoosi-Simbine, Dr. Muhammed Mustafa Lecky and Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo.
The event was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.