INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu |
The INEC Chairman, Prof. 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).
Other agencies were represented at the meeting, including
the Chief Executive Officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and
Code of Conduct Bureau.
Yakubu said that beyond the nullification of elections of
candidates that submitted fake or forged credentials, he believes 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,” Yakubu said.
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 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.”
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