By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, established a National Situation Room and Collation Centre where the results of Presidential elections will be collated.
The International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, according to INEC, will serve as the venue for this important exercise.
This was confirmed in a statement yesterday an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman
Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.
Accordingly, the Commission has established two committees for this purpose.
First, according to the statement, is the Collation Secretariat, where Presidential results from the States will be collated. This will be headed by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the Presidential election.
The statement explained that in addition, a few technical staff will assist the INEC Chairman.
The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee, which shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers and media among others.
The statement by Okoye reads, “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today (yesterday), Thursday, 5th January 2023 and deliberated on several issues, including the venue for the National Situation Room and Collation Centre for the 2023 General Election.
“As general elections approach, the Commission establishes a National Situation Room and Collation Centre where the results of Presidential elections are collated. Once again, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja will serve as the venue for this important exercise.
“Accordingly, the Commission has established two committees for this purpose. First is the Collation Secretariat, where Presidential results from the States will be collated.
“ This will be headed by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the Presidential election. In addition, a few technical staff will assist him.
“The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee, which shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers, media, etc.
The Committee has the following membership: Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, National Commissioner – Chairperson, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, National Commissioner – Member, Barr. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner – Member, Director, Electoral Operations – Member, Director, ICT – Member, Director, Planning and Monitoring – Member, Director, Security – Member, Director, Election and Party Monitoring – Member
and Director, International Cooperation and Protocol – Member
“The Situation Room and Collation Centre Committees were inaugurated by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who charged them to commence work in earnest and to discharge their responsibilities diligently”, the statement said.
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