INEC orders refresher training, sack of negligent staff

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has directed that ad hoc staff be made to undergo a refresher training ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections.

Yakubu, who spoke during a meeting with state Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Saturday, also ordered that staff found to be negligent in the conduct of last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections be dismissed.

“Refresher training must be conducted for ad hoc staff that participated in the last election. Where they are replaced for good reason, they must be properly trained so that processes are not delayed or compromised at any stage,” he said.

The INEC Chairman decried the issues raised over alleged irregularities of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

In the light of next Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections, Yakubu noted that the electoral body and RECs must work harder to overcome the challenges experienced in the last election.

“Nothing else will be acceptable to Nigerians. All staff found to be negligent, whether they are regular or ad hoc officials, including Collation and Returning Officers, must not be involved in forthcoming elections.

“RECs must also immediately initiate disciplinary action where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established,” he said.