The Code of Conduct Bureau has revealed that it will monitor all public officials on election duties during the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, The PUNCH reports.
The Chairman, CCB, Isah Mohammed, made the revelation during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Mohammed said, “The CCB is mandated by the provisions of paragraph 3(d) and (e) of part I of the third schedule of the Nigeria constitution1999 (as amended)
“(d) To ensure compliance and where appropriate, enforce the provisions of Code of Conduct or any law related to it.
“(e) Receive complaints about non-compliance with breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation to it. Investigate the complaint and where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”
He added that this was in reference to public officials and in particular reference to those who are going to participate in the conduct of the 2023 general elections that the CCB is going to carry out a special monitoring activity on the public officers listed in part II of the fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said, “In view of the above, monitoring of the 2023 general elections starting from Saturday, February 25, 2023 is a commitment towards ensuring that the President leaves behind a legacy of the freest, fairest and credible election ever conducted in the electoral history of this country.
“The CCB is therefore willing to work with all stakeholders in a harmonious atmosphere to bring about the desired result.
“By this arrangement, the monitoring activity shall be carried out in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Accordingly, CCB is deploying its manpower from the headquarters and state offices for observation and monitoring activity during the entire process of the exercise.”
He further noted that the CCB shall focus the monitoring activity generally on the electoral process as provided by the Electoral Act, 2022, and the 2023 general elections guidelines and such extant laws and circulars governing the conduct of elections.
He added, “In sum, we shall observe whether or not a public officer in this exercise has put himself or herself in a position where his or her personal interest conflict with the duties and responsibilities assigned to him or her;
“We will observe whether or not an officer in this exercise asks for or accept any benefit of any kind in the discharge of his or her duties. We will also observe whether or not officers in this exercise receive any inducement or bribe in the discharge of this exercise.
“Likewise, we will observe whether or not a public officer in this exercise abuse his or her office or do any act prejudicial of the rights of any other person contrary to electoral principles and practices.”
Mohammed further sought the support, cooperation and understanding of members of the press in giving wide publicity to the CCB’s participation in the monitoring of the 2023 general elections.
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