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Tag: Inec

  • 326 INEC personnel fail promotion examination

    326 INEC personnel fail promotion examination

    NO fewer than 326 staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed their recent promotion exams, it was learnt yesterday.

    The commission has, however, approved the promotion of 7,330 personnel that excelled in the exercise carried out at the commission’s headquarters and state offices between August and November.

    A breakdown shows that 4,917 senior officers and 2,413 junior officers were successful in the promotion exercise.

    The success rate represents 92.1 per cent of a total of 5,335 staff (Grade Level 07-15) that were eligible to undertake the exercise and 2,413 eligible junior staff on Grade Level 03 – 06.

    Ninety-two persons on interdiction, representing 1.7 per cent could not write the test.

    In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Rotini Oyekanmi, the successful officers had secured the mandatory pass mark – 60, paving the way for their elevation.

    The commission, he said, considered regular promotion of staff as one of the surest ways of boosting their morale and welfare to encourage their dedication, loyalty and improve productivity.

    “It is also designed to motivate them to contribute positively to the commission’s set goals and objectives.

  • INEC advises youths on free, fair election

    INEC advises youths on free, fair election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Tuesday advised youths in Cross to acquaint themselves with issues and importance of voter education to ensure a successful election in 2019.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ) in the state, Dr Briyai Frankland, gave the advice in Calabar at a “Young Emerging Political Leaders’ forum organised by Hit Fm radio station.

    Frankland, in his paper, entitled: “Raising Incorruptible Leaders’’, said that adequate voter education for youths would lead to high voter turnout during the elections.

    He said that youth leaders needed to embrace the exercise ahead of the elections, adding that this would lead to massive youth participation in the election.

    “Youths should be used as tools for voter education rather than tools for thuggery, violence and other electoral malpractices.

    “When youths are properly informed, they will participate well in the processes of elections and make positive contributions.

    “Adequate information and voter education by the youths will go a long way to achieving free and fair election in Cross River and Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Read also: 2019: INEC may transmit results electronically from polling units

    According to the REC, knowledge of electoral offences by the youths will reduce incidents of violence, thuggery and other social vices during elections.

    He said that it was due to the strategic role of youths in electoral process that INEC entered into Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) to use corps members during elections.

    Frankland recalled that INEC had in recent past appointed some influential youths as its ambassadors and also established youth clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country.

    According to him, this was to assist the organisation in inculcating electoral values in the youths while they were in school.

    He advised them not to see election as do-or-die but to learn the new idea of “the loser congratulating the winner’’ at all levels of election in Nigeria.

    Frankland urged the youths to be upright in all their endeavours and to shun violence and all forms of malpractices during elections.

    He also advised them to resist politicians who would want to use them for election rigging and to maintain their integrity at all times.

    NAN

  • Unwieldy parties: INEC may seek fresh peg from National Assembly

    Unwieldy parties: INEC may seek fresh peg from National Assembly

    •Increasing number has high cost implications for poll, says commission

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may seek the intervention of the National Assembly to enact a law to limit the number of registered political parties to a manageable size.

    It was learnt that INEC is worried over the nation’s unwieldy registered parties, which have risen to 67.

    The commission had last week registered 21 parties out of 115 applications for registration by prospective parties, leaving 94 outstanding for processing.

    According to a National Commissioner, who spoke in confidence, the unwieldy number of parties is now a source of concern to INEC.

    “From the way we are going, we need to apply legal control on the formation and registration of political parties in this country. We should think outside the box for the way out.

    “So far, INEC has registered 67 parties. This number is unwieldy for general election. The more we have parties, the more the cost of election goes up. With paucity of funds, we cannot afford the luxury of having uncontrolled number of parties.

    “Even if we go full hog for electronic voting, we will still have paper trail with a huge cost too. The unwieldy number of parties is at a cost to the electorate, who will spend much time locating the parties to vote for.

    “And the law is fluid; INEC is mandated to register parties at least six months to the general election. As an electoral agency, you may base your projection on a number of parties and new registration can alter your plans.

    “On our part in INEC, we have our relevant committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives. We have interrogated them and ask the National Assembly to revisit the laws on party registration for a tidier electoral system guided by the Electoral Act.

    “This is where we should be heading to. We need some control. It is left to the National Assembly to make laws on this control if it thinks party system should be managed well.”

    The source added: “We have about 94 pending applications from associations seeking to be political parties. By implications, we may still register more parties before the 2019 general elections.

    “The latest 21 registered parties were among the 115 pending applications before INEC. We are hamstrung by the law; we cannot reject the applications of associations seeking to be parties as long as they have met the basic requirements.

    “It is therefore very easy to register parties in Nigeria with cash backing of N1million.”

    Sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution on party registration state as follows: “No association, other than a political party, shall canvass for votes for any candidate at any election or contribute to the funds of any political party or to the election expenses of any candidate at an election.”

    Section 78 of the Electoral Act says in part: “A political association that complies with the provisions of the Constitution and this Act for the purposes of registration shall be registered as a political party provided that such application for registration as a political party shall be duly submitted to the commission not later than six (6) before a general election.

    “A political association that meets the conditions stipulated in the Constitution and this Act shall be registered by the commission within 30 days from the date of the receipt of the application and if after the 30 days such association is not registered by the commission unless the commission informs the association to the contrary, it shall be deemed to have been registered.”

     

     

  • Anambra Central: candidates urge INEC to respect judgment

    Candidates in the March 2015 senatorial election in Anambra Central have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the court judgment and issue a certificate of return to Dr. Obiora Okonkwo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    According to the candidates, the judgment of Justice John Tsoho of an Abuja High Court is a welcome development as “it signalled the resolution of a battle that had denied the people of Anambra Central quality representation at the Senate”.

    The candidates, who spoke under the aegis of Coalition of Candidates in the Anambra Senatorial Zone Election Rerun, said the zone had suffered deprivation due to the pre-election dispute which, according to them “by the grace of God, has now been resolved.”

    Leaders of the Coalition Chief Akudo Chikwendu and Comrade Peter Okala, in a statement said: “It is time we allowed the law to rule our dealings irrespective of how emotionally attached we are to issues. The judgment of the Federal High Court was straight and unambiguous; we welcome it and call on INEC not to delay the process of actualising the judgment.

    “We believe the judgment will begin a healing process that will enable the people to rebuild and plan for 2019. We are just a few months away from electioneering for 2019, and so we believe that swearing Dr. Okonkwo in will enable us to refocus and plan early for 2019.”

    The coalition also said it was wrong and misleading for anyone to insinuate that the Court of Appeal nullified PDP’s victory at the March 2015 polls.

    It added: “We have read insinuations and suggestions that the Court of Appeal in Enugu nullified PDP’s victory at the March 2015 senatorial election; this is false and misleading.

    “We believe those spreading this false information do not mean well for Anambra Central and its people; we have no doubt that such persons are enemies of the peace, who may be profiting from the legal quagmire that had kept the zone without senatorial representation since 2015.

    “It is wrong to put words into the mouth of the justices of the Court of Appeal; we are certain they are courageous enough to make any pronouncement they deem necessary. Since nothing of such was pronounced, it will amount to criminality to put words into their mouths and see to use same to deceive the public.

    “While we call on INEC to issue Dr. Okonkwo his certificate of return, we also urge the leadership of the National Assembly to swear him in. We are all interested in moving forward into 2019. 2015 is in the past and must be closed, and we thank the Federal High Court for helping us close it.”

  • Ekiti, Osun gov elections: INEC to ensure full participation of PWDs

    Towards ensuring that future elections in Nigeria are wholly inclusive, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun preparation at ensuring that the over 25 million Nigerians with disabilities are catered to in the electoral process.

    INEC, during a capacity building workshop for its Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) Desk Officers, in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, explained that the latter will be equipped to communicate in acceptable manners with Persons (Nigerians) With Disabilities.

    INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Dr Adekule Ogunmola, expressed optimism that the implementers of its programmes on PWDs at all levels will come up with creative and useful ideas that will help deepen the participation of the latter community of Nigerians.

     

  • INEC registers 21 new parties

    INEC registers 21 new parties

    …Sacks three staff for registering Kogi governor twice

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday announced the registration of 21 new political parties in the country.

    The parties are – All Blending Party, All Grassroots Alliance, Alliance for New Nigeria, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, Coalition for Change, Freedom and Justice Party, Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria and Justice Must Prevail Party.

    Others include: Legacy Party of Nigeria, Mass Action Joint Alliance, Modern Democratic Party, National Interest Party, National Rescue Mission, New Progressives Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party, People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty, People’s Trust, Providence People’s Congress, Re-Build Nigeria Party, Restoration Party of Nigeria and Sustainable National Party.

    This development brings the number of political parties in the country to 67.

    The INEC National Commissioner and member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mrs. May Agbmuche-Mbu,  also disclosed in a statement that the Commission has sacked three of its staff over their alleged role in the double registration of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    INEC, however,  said it could not take any action against the governor as he still enjoys immunity by virtue of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

     

     

  • Rivers APC Chairman calls for unity ahead of 2019 elections

    Rivers APC Chairman calls for unity ahead of 2019 elections

    Mr Davies Ikanya, Chairman, Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged members to unite and strengthen the party’s political base ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Ikanya made the appeal when he led a delegation of the party’s state executives in continuation of their sensitisation tour to NGO town in Andoni Local Government Area on Monday.

    Report said the sensitisation visit was in continuation of their tour of the local governments to mobilise the people for 2019 elections.

    They have so far visited 15 of the 23 local government areas.

    “Our coming to NGO town is part of efforts across the 23 local government areas of the state with a view to re-educate our members on the party’s operational guidelines,’’ he said.

    According to him, it is necessary to check the activities of members, especially those who have either consciously or unconsciously engaged in some activities organised by a factional arm of the party in the area.

    Report also said a factional local government executive of the party was earlier formed and led by Mr Mike Amakri, a member of the party in the area.

    The factional group had petitioned against the state Party Chairman, Ikanya, who also hails from the area demanding for his sack.

    Although their demand was not acknowledged, the party chairman said the act was insubordination to the party.

    He said such action was punishable by the law of the party and he therefore, announced the suspension of members of the factional executives.

    Ikanya also inaugurated a caretaker party executives to be led by Mr Jephter Alaka.

    Read also: APC,  others set to boycott Ekiti council poll

    Attributing the activities of the factional group to greed and impatience, he warned members against acts capable of disintegrating the party.

    Ikanya assured the members that the APC in the state was intact and could not be divided by any selfish group because members were all working toward the same goal to deliver victory to the party.

    “APC is like a big house and in every big house people struggle to get something, especially when the thing in question is good but limited to a few persons.

    “Everybody cannot lead at the same time, we should learn to support our leaders with positive inputs that will move our great party forward,’’ he said.

    Ikanya also urged the members to adopt available mechanisms for dispute resolution rather than sponsor unguarded statements in the media as such was not in the interest of the party.

    In the same vein, the state Secretary of the party, Mr Emeka Bekee, applauded the rapid growth of the party in the area and welcomed over 400 new members who defected from other parties to APC.

    He said that the gesture was an indication of victory at the 2019 general elections and urged the members to remain committed to the party.

    The secretary also urged them to take advantage of the ongoing party registration exercise to register new members as well as revalidate their existing information.

    Alaka, the Acting Chairman of the party in the local government, thanked the state executive for handling the issue of factional party activities in the area.

    He promised to strictly follow the party’s guidelines and to ensure that members obtained their voters registration cards from the INEC designated centers.

    NAN

  • 2019: INEC may transmit results electronically from polling units

    2019: INEC may transmit results electronically from polling units

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has developed a technology that will enable it transmit election results electronically direct from polling units to its states’ headquarters.

    Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Godswill Obioma, stated this at a meeting with faith-based organisations in Abakaliki yesterday.

    According to him, the new technology is part of efforts by the commission to eliminate rigging, electoral frauds and other irregularities and to ensure the enthronement of credibility and transparency in the electoral process.

    Obioma reassured the electorate that their votes would count in the 2019 general elections and urged them to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    “INEC is strengthening the process of transmitting election results electronically direct from polling booths to INEC Headquarters.

    “We hope that the latest technological innovation will be perfected and deployed in the 2019 general elections.

    “The new strategy will discourage politicians from ballot box snatching, stuffing of ballot boxes and indulgence in other forms of electoral irregularities.

    “The commission will do everything to ensure that votes count in 2019 and that those who will emerge will emerge through popular votes.

    “We have only one message and the message is that you come out and register and ensure that you collect your PVC to qualify you to exercise your franchise,” he said.

    The REC explained that the meeting was part of conscious efforts by INEC to build strategic partnership and alliance that would be harnessed to mobilize the electorate.

    “This meeting is aimed at jointly charting strategic paths for a credible 2019 elections and to see in what best ways we can partner with the organizations to reach out to their members.

    “It is also to mobilize those who are 18 years and above to come out and register and collect their PVCs,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 50 representatives of faith-based organisations, including Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs attended the meeting.

  • 2019 election results will be transmitted electronically – INEC

    2019 election results will be transmitted electronically – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) said on Tuesday it has developed a technology that would enable it transmit election results electronically direct from polling units to the states’ headquarters.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ebonyi, Prof. Godswill Obioma, disclosed this at a meeting with faith-based organizations in Abakaliki.

    According to him, the new technology is part of efforts by the Commission to eliminate rigging, electoral frauds and other irregularities and to ensure the enthronement of credibility and transparency in the electoral process.

    Obioma reassured the electorate that their votes would count in the 2019 general elections and urged them to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ).

    He said: “INEC is strengthening the process of transmitting election results electronically direct from polling booths to INEC headquarters.

    “We hope that the latest technological innovation would be perfected and deployed in the 2019 general elections.

    “The new strategy would discourage politicians from ballot box snatching, stuffing of ballot boxes and indulgence in other forms of electoral irregularities.

    “The commission would do everything to ensure that votes count in 2019 and that those who would emerge do that through popular votes.

    “We have only one message and the message is that you come out and register and ensure that you collect your PVC to qualify you to exercise your franchise.”

    Read also: 2019: INEC to partner political parties for credible elections

    The REC explained that the meeting was part of conscious efforts by INEC to build strategic partnership and alliance that would be harnessed to mobilize the electorate.

    “This meeting is aimed at jointly charting strategic paths for a credible 2019 elections and to see in what best ways we can partner with the organizations to reach out to their members.

    “It is also to mobilize those who are 18 years and above to come out and register and collect their PVCs,” he added.

    Obioma explained that making the electoral process more inclusive by getting more people involved in civic responsibilities would reduce political tension and those chosen in elections would be better accepted as representatives of the people.

    He said that the commission had embarked on aggressive sensitisation and voter education since he resumed office as REC in Ebonyi on July 12.

    “We have undertaken stakeholders’ town hall meetings in all the 13 local government areas of the state where we met with the people in their localities and sensitise them to the continuous voter registration.

    “We followed the town hall meetings with the stakeholders’ village square meetings in the wards across the local government areas.

    “We listened to their views on how we can do better in our programmes to achieve greater penetration in the society,” he said.

    Reports say no fewer than 50 representatives of faith-based organisations, including Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs attended the meeting.

    NAN

  • Institute urges INEC to obey Printers’ Act

    The Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obey the law on printing.

    The institute is established by an Act of Parliament, No. 24 of 2007. It is empowered to advise government and its agencies on printing.

    But, the institute said INEC does not consult it with regards to printing of electoral materials as required by the law.

    The institute has filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking a declaration that no company can run a printing business in Nigeria without CIPPON license.

    Its President Mr Wahab Muhammed Lawal said CIPPON had written severally to INEC on the need to patronise licensed Nigerian printers, yet the commission prefers to take printing jobs abroad.

    He spoke on the sidelines of a two-day mandatory professional training for printers on Introduction to Costing and Estimating.

    “Up till now INEC chairman refused to meet with the institute. We see it as a contravention of an Act of Parliament. The law says we should advise government on any issue pertaining to printing.

    “If the stakeholders will imitate the late Gani Fawehinmi, who took government to court on several issues, we may borrow a leaf from him and enforce our right in court.”

    Lawal said government can help tackle the printing of fake documents by not patronising print companies not licensed by CIPPON.

    “Presently we have some cases in court against some printers who think they can continue operating without license. We are in court and very soon judgment will be delivered. CIPPON took them to court for contravening the Act of parliament,” he said.

    Lawal said it was not true that Nigerian printers lack the capacity to print sensitive electoral materials.

    “The claim that we don’t have the capacity is an excuse to enrich other countries at the expense of Nigerians and the country. They should entrust the printing of electoral materials into the hands of Nigerians through CIPPON which knows about printers’ capacity.

    “We’re not asking them to patronise certain printers, but to make sure they’re licensed with us. We can be held responsible if they fail to deliver. The naira is printed in Nigeria. Chequebooks are printed in Nigeria.

    “If any printer has failed to deliver, it is likely due to wrong award of contracts, not lack of capacity. Where we don’t have raw materials, so it is wrong for INEC or print buyers wait till it’s two weeks to the date before they award contracts,” he said.

    Lawal described as unfortunate the fact that Nigeria has no functional paper mill, with a lot of money spent on importation of printing materials.

    On why the training was organised, he said: “Due to lack of materials, profit has drastically reduced. Some presses are even closing down. That’s why the training is on costing and estimating for the purpose of cost recovery and cost control.”

    One of the facilitators, Mr Lai Bankole, also urged INEC to patronise local printers, saying it a way to boost the industry’s capacity and contribute to the country’s economy.

    CIPPON has also held this year’s Printers National Conference, which featured an annual general meeting and presentation of certificates to newly licenced printing firms.