To ensure optimal service delivery in the ongoing CVR exercise, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has ordered that an additional two machines, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), be deployed to some under-equipped registration centers in Edo.
He gave the charge on Thursday in Benin, during an assessment visit to some of the registration centres ahead of the September governorship election in the state.
Speaking at the registration center in Western Boys Secondary School, Ward 2, Ikpoba Okha LGA, the INEC Boss commended the mass turnout of the prospective registrants at different centers, and assured that INEC would act within its reach for a seamless process.
The most important thing is for us to expedite the process. So, what we have decided now is that tomorrow there will be two additional machines in this center, to make it five machines.
There are two queues. One is for registration, the other one is for transfer and collection of cards. So, they are going to reorganize the queues. But I’ve seen the numbers here, and one of the solutions is to increase the number of machines in this center.
Also, monitoring the exercise at Eweka Primary School in Use Ward 3, Egor LGA. Yakubu directed for additional registration machines, while observing with keen interest the intentions of some political parties trying to hijack the exercises and warned staff against misconduct that will undermine the process, adding that the commission would be meeting with the state commissioner of Police and other security agencies to address concerns in the state.
My message consistently is that all the staff engaged in the registration, whether they are ad hoc staff or regular staff, should know that no one should collect money from any Nigerian who comes to register or transfer or request for replacement of cards.
This is a service paid for by the federal government of Nigeria and it must be respected. Where we catch any staff involved in this act, that staff will be dealt with, whether the staff is regular staff or ad hoc staff.
Earlier, registrants at the centers commended INEC with a plea for more machines to fast-track the process.
Most of us came here at 5.30. The machine was not working fast.
The INEC staff are trying to coordinate us but some of us are pushing to boycott the line. That is what is delaying us. Now they are attending to us and everything is going on smoothly.
If there is any alternative to bring additional machines, let INEC do so,” Mrs Sliver Angela said.
Initially, one machine was deployed to the center, but following their complaints, an additional two machines were mobilized to the center. additional machines should be deployed to the center, to will quicken the process. Mr. Oransaiye Nicolas said
Meanwhile, INEC ad hoc Staff, Mr. Oladele Emmanuel, an NYSC corps member deployed for the registration exercise expressed satisfaction with the functionality of the machines.