From Umar Dankano, Yola
As the general election draws nearer, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa state, Barr. Kassim G. Gaidam, has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will create about 30,000 polling units in the state in order to reduce congestion by 2015.
Gaidam made the disclosure during the inauguration of the State Inter Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (SICVEP) which took place at Muna Hotel in Yola yesterday.
He said the resolve was part of the efforts of the Commission to ensure that each polling unit does not contain more than 500 registered voters in order for it to simplify its job during elections in the state.
Gaidam added that as part of its overall mission to create voter awareness, the commission has thought it necessary to establish at the national level the Inter agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity and to similarly direct all states and local Governments offices to follow suit.
“The preparations for the General Elections call for effective voter education to promote and ensure increased participation of Nigerian citizens,” he noted.
He added that one of the cardinal objectives of the voter education was to enlighten and educate Nigerians not only about the specifics and mechanisms of the electoral process, but also geared towards empowering people and informing them on their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.
