By The Nation,Tony Akowe

Copyright thenationonlineng

Commission not recruiting workers, says chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said only a review of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act can guarantee greater representation of women and other perceived marginalised groups in elective and other elective offices in the country.

The commission also dismissed publications about its recruitment of workers, urging Nigerians to disregard them.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this when he hosted Women’s Collectives Forum during its advocacy visit on women participation in elective positions and party leadership.

The INEC chairman said affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions, would aide more women participation in elective offices.

He said: “This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Accordingly, the ongoing review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with our lawmakers for appropriate legislative action. Happily, the matter is back on the legislative agenda.

“At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions.

“The commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision as was the case in many jurisdictions.

“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the Commission’s support at all times.”

The INEC chairman restated the position of the commission at ensuring a level-playing field for all sections of the society.

He said: “INEC is an equal opportunities organisation. We believe in inclusivity, both in the workplace and in the discharge of our extensive responsibilities as an election management body. Today, 12 out of 22 departments and directorates of the commission are headed by women.

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“This means that 55 per cent of the directors at the INEC headquarters here in Abuja are women. Across the states of the federation, many of our substantive administrative secretaries, who are also directors, are women.

“With regard to the electoral process, we have a gender policy which is periodically revised and updated. We have also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalised and underrepresented groups in the electoral process.

“Similarly, in our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for underrepresented groups in party leadership. Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.”

Also, the commission warned Nigerians to beware of a fake advertorial currently circulating on social media that it is recruiting for various positions and directing applicants to a fraudulent portal, www.inecrecruitment.com.

INEC said it does not have such a website and is not conducting any recruitment.

“INEC is not recruiting. Do not fall victim to the antics of criminal elements,” it said.

The commission explained that in preparation for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, it has officially launched a dedicated online portal for the recruitment of ad hoc workers.

It explained that the initiative demonstrated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

INEC urged eligible Nigerians to apply for temporary roles essential to ensuring a smooth electoral process.

It said: “Vacancies are available for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs I, II, III), as well as Registration Area Technical Support (RATECHs) and Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers, with each position having specific eligibility criteria, including public servants, corps members, ICT professionals, and staff of host schools.”