INEC sacks three for registering Kogi gov twice

The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has approved the immediate sacking of two of its officials and the compulsory retirement of another electoral official for their alleged role in the double registration of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The electoral body, however, stated that it could not take any action against Bello because “ he is still enjoying immunity by virtue of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.”

The INEC National Commissioner and member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mrs. May Agbmuche-Mbu, also revealed that the commission had approved the registration of 21 political parties bringing the total of registered political parties to 67.

The statement read in part, “Following reports of the alleged double registration by the governor of Kogi State in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, the commission set up a panel of investigation into the involvement of (members of staff) in the matter.

“The initial report set up by the panel was referred to the appointment, promotion and disciplinary committee, which made recommendations to the commission.

“While the governor of Kogi State currently enjoys immunity from prosecution, the commission approved the summary dismissal of two employees for acts of misconduct and the immediate and compulsory retirement of an electoral officer for acts of gross misconduct.”

INEC had in May accused Bello of registering at Wuse Zone 4, Abuja on January 30, 2011 and in the Government House, Lokoja, on May 23, 2017

It had stated that the governor’s double registration and doing so outside lNEC’s designated centres “are both illegal.”

Meanwhile, INEC has also announced the registration of 21 new parties.

The parties include: All Blending Party, All Grassroots Alliance, Alliance for New Nigeria, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, Coalition for Change, Freedom and Justice Party, Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria and Justice Must Prevail Party.

Others are, Legacy Party of Nigeria, Mass Action Joint Alliance, Modern Democratic Party, National Interest Party, National Rescue Mission, New Progressives Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party, People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty, People’s Trust, Providence People’s Congress, Re-Build Nigeria Party, Restoration Party of Nigeria and Sustainable National Party.

…………..Don’t forget to like The Drum Online Facebook page and always visit www.thedrumonline.net for your news updates.