April poll: Jega redeploys electoral officers

Barely six days to the National Assembly poll, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has shuffled electoral officers across the country. Leaders of most of the 63 registered political parties had at a meeting with the INEC Chairman on Wednesday, complained about the activities of some of the electoral officers. They had alleged that some of them had been compromised by state governors and incumbent local government chairmen who were acting on behalf of some governors. Jega had asked for proof, even as he promised that he would redeploy some electoral officers in a manner that would not be disruptive. It was gathered that the redeployment was sequel to complaints lodged by a majority of the party leaders. Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said, “Yes some will receive their letters over the weekend.” He gave no further details. At Wednesday’s meeting, the National Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwayanwu and the Chairman of African Liberation Party, Emmanuel Okereke, expressed fears about the credibility of some INEC officials. They specifically, alleged that some state Resident Electoral Commissioners and members of their staff, especially electoral officers had remained in their post for close to 10 years. This, they argued, had made some of them cannon fodder in the hands of governors to the disadvantage of opposition parties. Jega had in response explained that it would be difficult to move RECs around in a manner that would not be disruptive, adding however that if they had proof against any REC he was ready to do what was necessary. Giving a hint that he was prepared to shuffle other categories of workers, he said, “We will carry out the necessary redeployment of staff before the election but we will also ensure that it is not disruptive.” Jega also assured the party leaders that issues that bordered on security implications were being handled by security operatives. He said, “It will be too much a risk for someone to impersonate as a security agent.” By John Alechenu Courtesy Of: Punch