The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it will need about 23, 258 personnel as Collation and Returning Officers in the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections as well as Governorship and State Assembly elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this in Abuja during a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities in the country.
Professor Yakubu said collation of results will take place in 8,809 Registration Areas and Wards, 774 local Government Areas and 36 States of the Federation and FCT.
“In addition we require returning officers for each constituencies put together we will engage 23,258 personnel as Collation and returning officers.
We need the support of the universities to source the requisite number of suitably academic staff of impeccable integrity who must also understand that this is a call to serve.” He noted.
Professor Yakubu said that staff who are Card carrying members or have participated in partisan politics should not be nominated.
Also, those who have been involved in partisan politics or are known to have obvious political leanings should also not be nominated.
“Furthermore, those who have been convicted of Electoral Malpractice must be excluded.” He reiterated.
On the Security of those that would be involved in the election, Professor Yakubu said the Commission was working on a robust security plan and insurance that would cover everyone involved in election.
The Deputy Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Chris Maiyaki urged those who would be nominated to avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image of the University Community.
In a remark, the Chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami who acknowledged the recognition given to them by INEC pledged the commitment of her colleagues not to disappoint the country.
The Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mohammed Kuna told the Vice Chancellors that all the nominated staff must swear to an oath of Neutrality.
RN
