Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for a synergy between the commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible
elections in the country.
Jega said this on Thursday while declaring open the first National Consultative Retreat between the commissions in Enugu.
According to him, the essence of the retreat is to explore ideas, discuss matters of mutual interest to improve the electoral process.
“This is a consultative retreat between the Independent National Electoral Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commissions. To bring about free, fair and credible elections at all levels in this country, we have to have a good mutually beneficial relationship between INEC and SIEC.”
The INEC chairman urged state governors who appointed sole administrators for local government councils to desist from doing because it was illegal and unconstitutional.
He said that grassroots level democracy was the foundation of every country’s democracy.
Jega, however, called on politicians to show seriousness in pursuance of democracy in the country.
Mr Justice Afolabi Adeyinka, Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) stressed the need for SIECs to render advice to INEC on the compilation of voters register.
On the much talked about scrapping of SIECs, Adeyinka said it would be unconstitutional to take such action.
The occasion was attended by INEC and SIEC officials from the 36 states of the country.