I will professionalise INEC – Chairman

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The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said he will do everything within his powers to professionalise the activities of the commission.

He said he had seeing where elections were held in other countries and the identities of the chief electoral officers of such countries were not known.

He said that Nigeria must start moving in that direction.

Yakubu spoke in Abuja on Thursday when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright.

He said that his first priority at the commission “is to bring professionalism into election administration in the country and as well instutionalise ICT-based solutions.”

He added, “The success of the last general elections and the recent inconclusive governorship election in Kogi State was made largely possible with the deployment of ICT.”

The INEC boss also pledged to improve engagement with major stakeholders for maximum participation, with emphasis on women, youths, the disadvantaged, internally-displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.

While seeking more technical assistance from the UK government, Yakubu said he would ensure that the commission consolidates on its modest successes in the last general elections.

In his remarks, Arkwright expressed the readiness of his home government to partner INEC in order to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

He said the British government looks forward to getting a comprehensive brief from INEC stating major areas of necessary assistance.

Source: Punch