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Commission accredits 58 observers, 340 journalists
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Bans use of mobile phones, assures of free, credible polls
By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
T
he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has revealed that all sensitive materials for the Saturday’s Councils’ election in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, will be delivered tomorrow (Thursday, 10th February) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to its FCT Office in Garki.
This is even as the Commission disclosed that it has accredited 58 observer groups (53 domestic and 5 foreign) that are deploying a total of 2,242 field observers as well as 45 media organisations deploying 340 journalists to cover the election.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed these yesterday in his address at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, made it clear that party agents, observers and the media will, as usual, be invited to inspect the materials before they are moved to the Area Councils on the same day.
Security personnel, he concretely assured, will provide escort for the Area Councils and protection of the materials until they reach the polling units on election day.
He assured all stakeholders that the Commission will protect the transparency and integrity of the process.
He similarly appealed to political parties and candidates to continue to show maturity and decorum in the last few days of campaign and on Election Day and beyond.
The INEC Chairman said, “On Thursday 10th February 2022 i.e. in the next two days, sensitive materials will be delivered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to our FCT Office in Garki.
“As usual, party agents, observers and the media will be invited to inspect the materials before they are moved to the Area Councils on the same day. “Security personnel will provide escort to the Area Councils and protection of the materials until they reach the polling units on Election Day.
“With regard to election technology for voter accreditation, the Commission has reviewed the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the recent Anambra State Governorship election.
“Lessons learnt from that election have been considered in planning for the Area Council elections.
“I would like to assure all stakeholders that the Commission will protect the transparency and integrity of the process. In line with this commitment, we have accredited 58 observer groups (53 domestic and 5 foreign) that are deploying a total of 2,242 field observers.
“We have similarly accredited 45 media organisations deploying 340 journalists to cover the election.
‘We will work with the security agencies to ensure that observers and the media are granted unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.
“ I call upon the media and observers to operate within the context of the code of conduct for election observation and media coverage.
“The Commission is also deploying six Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to support the REC for the FCT and three National Commissioners to supervise the conduct of the election. “Our eyes are on all our officials, be they ad hoc or regular staff, to ensure that they strictly abide by the rules.
“All parties, candidates and their supporters should do the same.
“No one will benefit from the disruption of the process or other acts of bad behaviour.
“Let the voters in the FCT choose their leaders in a free, fair and peaceful contest.
“I would like to reiterate that voter inducement in all forms, including vote-buying at polling units, is a violation of the law.
“The ban on the use of mobile phones and other photographic devices in the voting cubicles is still in force.
“Let me reassure you that the Commission is committed to free, fair and credible process.
“However, we need a similar commitment of especially the political parties and candidates to realise these goals.
“Therefore, at today’s (yesterday’s) meeting, parties and candidates will be required to resolve, pledge, affirm and commit to peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
“As we commence the interactive part of this meeting, I want to urge all stakeholders to maintain decorum while making your contributions or responding to issues raised by others”, he said.
Democracy, the Chairman, reminded the stakeholders, “demands accommodation of divergent views”.
He added, “Let us focus on issues and argue in support of what will improve the electoral process and the welfare of citizens”.
