From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan has promised the staff of INEC a reward of traveling abroad as an encouragement for staff who will commit him/herself to electoral integrity.
He announced the plans to introduce cash rewards and foreign travel incentives for staff who distinguish themselves during elections, as part of efforts to boost staff morale ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election and other subsequent elections.
Amupitan expressed this during a working visit to INEC headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State, where he met with electoral officers and other staff of the Commission.
Addressing the staffs, the Chairman said the Commission was under pressure to deliver a credible poll in Osun, describing the forthcoming election as critical to the Commission’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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“You are members, you are staff, you know you have something to offer. As the chairman and the Commissioners, our role is to be able to tap your brains and ensure that you are able to solve every problem that confronts you.”
“We have started a scheme now in the Commission whereby there is a reward for hard work. And the best EO, the best local government that is able to ensure that elections start at 8.30am in all the polling units, we have a prize. Apart from what the commission has decided on the monetary compensation, letters of recommendation and opportunity for foreign travels will be there too. We are doing this to motivate staff.
“But again, the consequences for not starting the election are dire”, he said.
Prof Amupitan who is poised for credible elections said, “just two weeks after assumption of office, we had Anambra election. Two months after that, we had the FCT election. Another two months, we had a Ekiti election. Here we are again, talking about the off cycle Osun state governorship election. In all these elections we have had in the past nine months, we have seen the finger and the hand of God,” Amupitan averred.
On Security situation in Osun, INEC Chairman raised a concern over the recent attacks on INEC facilities, including an incident last week where BVAS machines were hijacked and staff assaulted.
“We are taking measures to secure our facilities, our materials. Because, the lives of our staff is very vital. And, more importantly, the security of the voters,” he added.
He said the Commission was engaging the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, and the National Peace Committee to ensure a peaceful election, noting that security ratings in Osun had dropped from “very high” in June to “medium”.
INEC Boss equally warned staff on misinformation, urging them to be proactive. “In light of the incident of disinformation and misinformation that comes during such an election, that is a trigger for us, let us learn how to manage such situations,” he said.
