Polls: Jega tasks electoral officers on way forward

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. AttahiruJega, has charged the commission’s Electoral Officers (EOs) to sustain efforts towards addressing the challenges associated with the country’s electoral process.

Jega gave the charge on Monday in Abuja at a Post- 2015 General Election Retreat for Electoral Officers with the theme “2015 General Elections: Lessons and Way Forward”.

Jega said there was no doubt that for Nigeria to continue to develop, it needed credible elections.

“Well conducted elections will result in the election of good people which can drive the process of governance and deliver good governance for Nigerians.

“Good governance in terms of satisfying the need and aspirations of our people through the governance process.

“So, we must continue to do our best to improve the electoral process. We cannot rest on our oars in addressing all the challenges associated with elections.”

The chairman also commended the roles played by electoral officers in the 2015 elections, which according to him, made the elections a success.

“We have worked very hard, tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to get this outcome.

“Obviously, we recognise that in spite of our best effort, we have not been able to create the best and the excellent environment under which you are to conduct your jobs.

“In spite of the constraints, and the challenges, you have all done your best and your best this time around has been recognised as being good enough.”

Jega added that the success of the 2015 general elections was due to the tremendous effort and measures taken by INEC staff to correct mistakes from previous elections.

He urged the participants to discuss on measures to improve on the electoral process and their welfare.

He said in spite of the accolades INEC received following the 2015 general elections, it was time to begin to reflect on areas of further reforms.

“Let us not waste time discussing what we did right. What we did right was good and it has helped us to have a good election in 2015 but let us focus on what we did wrong.

“What were those things that we shouldn’t have done which you have observed as field officers that we did, which we need to be corrected or improved on as we move towards the future?” he said.