Nigerians React As INEC Asks IGP Baba To Prosecute Adamawa REC
Nigerians have reacted to the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) asking the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to investigate and prosecute the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, for declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate winner of the state’s governorship election.
The commission had, at a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, discussed matters arising from the Adamawa governorship election.
The commission said it is also requesting the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draw the attention of the appointing authority to what was described as unwholesome behaviour of the REC for any further action.
INEC said the collation of results in Adamawa would resume at a time decided by the Returning Officer.
Reacting on various social media platforms, some Nigerians applauded the commission for standing firm against the height of illegality, while others accused the commission of acting a script.
Wemimo Adewumi said on Twitter, “I agree that the REC needs to be arrested. I’m also very disappointed in Binani for giving that silly ‘acceptance speech’ and even going to court. But why does @inecnigeria need to delay the announcement in Adamawa? Complete the collation and declare a winner already!”
Zubby, another Twitter user, expressed shock that the APC candidate has headed to court, saying: “It’s the guts to even go to court! God knows why I’m not in a position of power bcos that court wey she go na there she go pass go prison.”
Tosin Aribisala reacted, stating, “Don’t be disappointed, dear. She only acted her part in the script given to her. There was a script before, but didn’t end well because Adamawa people stood against the injustice.”
Elle posited that: “Start with Mr. Yakubu. He should be in prison with this Adamawa man too because what they both did are similar. YAKUBU cooked figures before half of results were uploaded and announced magic numbers on air, then pronounced his choice. Till today, results are not completely uploaded.”
Chief Ajiji commented that: “Nigeria’s Chief Returning Officer announced Tinubu as president without following due process. Adamawa’s State Returning Officer announced Binani as Governor without following due process. If you must prosecute The State REC then you must prosecute the Chief REC Yakubu.”
On Facebook, Chris McCool Nwosu opined: “Though coming belatedly, this is better than the nauseating silence over the REC’s culpability. It is indeed surprising that the DSS and DMI that were sniffing where nothing was likely to be found and by doing so overheating the polity is now hesitating from carrying out their functions, even when Barr Hudu Ari’s culpability was publicly evident. Nigeria has a long way to go.”
Joseph Osita also added: “No one rates INEC. You guys have destroyed the democracy that GEJ bestowed on that man called Buhari.”
Martin Beck Naira stated: “Is the REC in detention already? His actions were capable of causing disturbance to democracy and potential civil unrest in the state. This is not a classroom affair where the class prefect reports noise makers to the teacher.”
Humphrey Orubo: “Any attempt or attempted attempt to upturn the victory of Fintri in the just concluded rerun will be violently resisted globally. INEC should do the right thing.”
Chuksemmy Jamba: “So this is the time you people want to start defending democracy in Nigeria, after selling the presidential election to Tinubu? Retrieve the stolen mandate first before we start taking you people serious.”
