INEC has warned its staff to stay away from any activities that could upset the forthcoming elections – The commission gave the warning when it was administering oath of allegiance to its staff in Owerri – The electoral body would also be using 20,000 ad-hoc staff for the smooth conduct of elections in Imo state Professor Francis Ezeonu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo state, has warned staff of the commission to shun acts capable of jeopardising the success of the oncoming general elections. Professor Ezeonu gave the warning during the administration of an Oath of Neutrality/Allegiance on members of staff of the commission in Owerri on Monday, February 11, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The oath was administered by Onyemuche Elekwa, the head of legal department of INEC in Owerri. The REC said that the commission would not spare any official caught engaging in any act inimical to the conduct of free and fair polls. He said the oath would serve as a reminder to the workers to conduct themselves well and see their service as a clarion call by the nation to ensure the commission had a free, fair and credible elections. Ezeonu said that the same warning affected the over 20,000 adhoc staff that would be deployed by the commission for the election. “You are already aware of this oath, but this is just a reminder of what you already know. I want you to mind what you say, what you do; I want this election to be well conducted, to be free, fair and credible,” he said. Ezeonu said that most of the permanent and ad hoc staff of the commission had undergone training and INEC in the state was well prepared and ready to conduct the elections. He said that the media accreditation would take place on Wednesday, while there would also be an interaction between heads of security agencies and the media for amicable working relationship during the elections. It was reported that the REC used the opportunity to advise Imo residents yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) on Monday, February 11, which he said, was the last day for PVCs collection. The workers swore to be faithfull to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to discharge their duties to the best their ability in accordance with the Constitution of the country, the Electoral Act and the guidelines issued by the INEC. They also swore to do the right to all candidates and political parties according to law without fear or favour, affection or ill will with the help of God. It was also gathered that the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold in the 36 states of the federation and FCT on Saturday, February 16, while the governorship and state assembly elections will be on Saturday, March 2.
