Ex-Minister asks FG to investigate INEC, overhaul electoral system

Ini Billie, Uyo

A former Minister, Chief Nduese Essien has urged the Federal Government to investigate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and overhaul the electoral system.

Essien blamed INEC for the collapse of the nation’s democratic values, saying it was responsible for Nigeria’s broken leadership recruitment system.

Speaking at the weekend in Eket as part of activities to mark his 80th birthday, the Akwa Ibom elder statesman said governance in the country has continued to deteriorate with successive administrations.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the many challenges of the nation by calling on a government of national unity after his first tenure.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also failed in its duty to uphold the integrity of our electoral process. The cascading fraudulent conduct of general elections stands as a testament to the erosion of our democratic values.

“I demand for an immediate investigation of the INEC and a comprehensive overhaul of our electoral system. We cannot go to another election with this porous system.

“Furthermore, the judiciary must be reformed to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. The prevalence of cash-for-judgment schemes undermines the very foundation of our democracy and erodes public confidence in the judiciary.

“At the heart of these crises lies the issue of governance – or rather, the lack thereof. Governance in Nigeria has continued to deteriorate with successive administrations. Our leadership recruitment system is broken, allowing unqualified and unscrupulous individuals to ascend to positions of power, while those with the vision and integrity to lead are sidelined or silenced.

“We must overhaul our electoral process, strengthen our democratic institution and empower our citizens to hold their leadership accountable. True leadership is not about wielding power; it is about serving the people with humility, honesty, and compassion,” he stated.