2019 polls: INEC talks tough, threatens to slam lawsuit on politicians

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to take legal action against individuals or group that disparage its name and reputation with unfounded and baseless allegations on the conduct of 2019 general elections in Enugu state.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commisioner in Enugu Dr Emeka Ononamadu dished out the threat during a post 2019 general elections media briefing held at INEC headquarters, Enugu, Tuesday.

Ononamadu who frowned at the political rascality displayed by some political groups said: “During the conduct of the election, certain political groups effortlessly tried to falsely label INEC, security agencies and Central Bank in their attempt to find one way or another to scuttle the process but the maturity exhibited by citizens was enough to send their plans to the cleaners.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state had accused INEC of being biased.

The INEC boss who was visibly angry that efforts were made to tarnish their image said he was studying such allegations carefully with the aim of taking a possible court action, saying that INEC as an organisation has a reputation to protect just like individuals and other organisations.

He said:  “I am also studying those wide allegations for possibilities of seeking court redress because it is not only politicians that can always take INEC to court, INEC and its staff equally have a name to protect.  We are not going to tolerate reckless allegations that cast aspersions on our democracy and electoral process.

“We are moving towards a direction when nobody will get away with any unsubstantiated allegation that robs off on the credibility of an election,” he threatened.

He thanked Enugu residents, traditional rulers, security agencies, National Youth Service Corps, media, civil society organizations, political parties, Managemnt and staff of INEC for their support during the conduct of the general elections.

Ononamadu disclosed that the commison would commence the issuance of certificate of returns to elected National Assembly members in Abuja on Thursday.

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