INEC to partner ICPC To Prosecute Candidates With Forged Academic Credentials – Yakubu

The New Diplomat
Writer

Ad

Nepal bloodshed: Of Nigeria’s big masquerades and Gọntọ

By Festus Adedayo Nepal, the Himalayan nation of 30 million people, boiled like water on a lit cauldron last week. As my people say, behind the logic of christening a woman at birth as “one who died with her glory,” (Kumolu) is a plethora of reasons. The bloodshed reminds me of the theme of resistance…

A visit to the Olunloyo’s at Ibadan…

By Bolanle Bolawole [email protected] 0705 263 1058 The Olunloyo family of Ibadan needs no elaborate introduction. Who does not know Dr. Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo: For his brilliance, especially his globally established wizardry in Mathematics; his eccentrism, his wits, his humour, his politics, and his many controversies? His disciplinarian streak is another side of his…

Dangote petrol far cheaper in Togo than in Nigeria — Importers

Some fuel importers in the country have alleged that the Dangote refinery sells a litre of petrol to international traders at N65 cheaper than the amount it gives the product to marketers in Nigeria. The Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria, Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria confirmed this in separate exclusive…

Ad

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to prosecute candidates of political parties that submit forged academic credentials.

The INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a meeting on the Collaboration for Effective Tax Compliance of Political Office Holders, convened at the instance of the Joint Tax Board (JTB).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other agencies were represented at the meeting, including the Chief Executive Officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Mr Yakubu said beyond the nullification of elections of candidates that submitted fake or forged credentials, he believed that such individuals should be prosecuted.

“We are already collaborating with the ICPC which is prosecuting candidates who submitted fake or forged academic credentials to INEC, as a result of which elections were nullified by the Election Petition Tribunals.

“Beyond the nullification of elections, such persons should be prosecuted. And I am happy that the ICPC is handling that responsibility.

“Let me assure you that INEC is in collaboration with ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau in our efforts to make Nigeria a better place and to ensure that persons who are elected comply with the laws of the land and are suitably qualified to hold public trust.

“Nigeria must be a democratic nation for all and not just a plutocracy for a few people, who end up evading taxes.

“So I want to thank you and be rest assured of our willingness to collaborate with you,” Mr Yakubu said.

Mr Yakubu said there was no specific law that made it mandatory for candidates for election, to present evidence of tax payment, before they could contest an election.

He, however, pledged INEC’s commitment to relevant agencies, to ensure that public office holders complied with the country’s constitution and relevant laws, including tax.

“But we understand the importance of this collaboration and we will collaborate with you.

“All candidates for elected offices are required to complete the INEC nomination forms and to swear to an affidavit that they have fully and faithfully provided the requisite information to the commission.

“We will collaborate with sister agencies to provide whatever information you require to facilitate your constitutional roles.

“Leadership comes with enormous responsibilities, at both the executive and legislative levels and persons entrusted with that responsibility must respect the constitution and laws of this country.

“That’s why agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with the constitution and laws of this government just like INEC, have fully supported us,” the INEC boss noted.

(NAN)

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp