By Vincess Okushi
Chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has received an award titled ‘The indispensable contributions’ from the county of Liberia.
The award was presented in an event to mark Liberia’s NEC dedication of a Workspace for its staff, officiated by Prof. Yakubu at the invitation of NEC Liberia’s Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah.
Speaking at the event, Madam Davidetta acknowledged the pivotal role played by Nigeria’s electoral umpire in supporting Liberia’s 2023 general elections technically.
The NEC chairperson to Liberia noted that INEC Nigeria under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu has established the Workspace and bolstered the electoral process that has deepened democracy in the country.
The indispensable contributions made by Prof. Yakubu and INEC Nigeria in sustaining Liberia’s democratic journey.
A statement by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to Hon Chairman, INEC Nigeria, Saturday 30th December 2023 hinted that Madam Lansanah highlighted Prof. Yakubu’s advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), resulting in Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021, even as she applauds Prof Yakubu for his steadfast backing of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavors.
In his response, Prof. Yakubu commended NEC-Liberia for honoring him as well as dedicating the Workspace to staff.
Emphasizing the value of enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through Information and Technology (IT) facilities.
According to him, INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election, further buttresses the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register.
Prof. Yakubu underscored the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, as complexity for election management and urged prioritizing peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs.
The event was graced with top personalities such as the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni; Charge d’ Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, Mr. Manir Ibrahim; the Representative of the Liberian Bar Association, Co-Chairperson, Members of the Board of Commissioners, senior officials, among others.
