We Swear To An Oath Of Neutrality Today –NOA Election Observers

We swear to an oath of neutrality today as Nigeria voting goes underway in Nigeria’s general election 2023.

That is the promise from a team of election observers deployed by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital,

The NOA election observers, 27 in number, had the oath administered on them by the head of Legal Department of the independent Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Jigawa office, Barrister Ishaku Bwuyea.

Speaking at the solemn occasion, Bwuyea noted that neutrality, secrecy and loyalty were important components of nation’s electoral laws and that violators stood a chance of being sanctioned to the sum of N500, 000 fine or one year imprisonment or both.

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They could also go for as long as three year’s imprisonment without option of fine.

File photo: election materials

The NOA Director in Jigawa, Malam Shuaibu Haruna, speaking on the oath of neutrality as promised, said the delegation would observe the elections in the 27 local government areas of the state.

He however added that for this to be so, that Nigerians must show cooperation.

“The NOA in the past has carried out series of voter education to stimulate citizens on issues like Comprehensive Voter Register, collection of Permanent Voter Cards, voter apathy and the 2022 Electoral Act.

“It is a fact that our elections are usually marred by primordial factors like violent extremism, hate speeches, votes buying and selling, excessive void votes as well as voter apathy.

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“The 2023 general elections have come with a lot of innovation, especially with the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022, which seeks to bridge the gap that existed in previous elections,’’ Haruna said.

“Considering the recent naira redesign and cashless policy of the CBN, and the attendant reactions indicating the likelihood of voter apathy, NOA intensified its voter education in all parts of the state,’’ he said.

“I call on NOA local officers that as critical stakeholders in election management, you are duty bound to be neutral in discharging your responsibilities,’’ Haruna said.