INEC chief urges selfless service for Nigeria’s greatness

UNTIL Nigerians are set to make sacrifices, the nation’s greatness would not be in sight, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State, Mr. Mike Igini, has said.

He said the quest to change the country must begin with members of staff of the commission because of the agency’s critical roles in the present democratic dispensation.

Igini gave the charge during his tour of area offices of INEC in the 18 local councils of the state.

He said as a key institution saddled with the responsibility of an umpire, the Commission must shape the nation’s destiny and ensure a better society.

The INEC boss stated that for Nigeria to attain greatness, the people must first think of what they could give to the country rather than what the nation would offer them.

He pointed out that the greatness of any country was a reflection of the contributions of its citizens.

The REC lauded the INEC officials in the state for bringing a new order to the electoral process in the country, asserting that public opinion about the Commission within and outside Cross River had changed because of their dedication to duty.

On monthly impress to the area offices, Igini said such money was for official and not personal use and decried the situation where most of the electoral officers maintained what he termed, “complete silence” on the use of funds. He commended the Eos of Akamkpa, Ikom, Yalla, Bekwarra for the proper utilisation of the monthly impress.

He, however, expressed displeasure at the deplorable working environment in most of the area offices and the demands for the provision of facilities that could be handled by them.

He noted that after two elections conducted in the state, the area offices could not emulate the effort of the management of the Commission in the state to prudently use resources provided for elections and saved funds to improve on the offices.