The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, has stated that the results of the March 28 presidential elections would be announced to Nigerians within 48 hours.
Jega made the promise at a joint press conference with the Director General of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, held in Abuja on Friday.
Jega stated that the commission had devised more efficient measures to ensure better collation of results than in 2011.
“For the 2015 elections, we should be able to declare results nationally within 48 hours. Our aim is to improve upon our performance in 2011,” he said.
The INEC boss commended the effort and involvement of all corps members since 2011, and announced that once again, corps members would be participating in the General Elections as ad-hoc staff.
He assured that INEC and the NYSC have put in place good security measures to protect all ad-hoc staff and that all ad-hoc staff participating in the General Elections are insured.
Jega used the opportunity to debunk allegations that INEC gave a fraudulent company the contract of procuring card readers.
“INEC did not award any contract to any blacklisted company to procure Card readers. Such allegation is false,” Prof. Jega said.
The DG of the NYSC on his part, called on every corps member to desist from undemocratic practices that have and will hinder Nigeria’s democracy and economic development.
He urged them to carry out the duties assigned to them with all seriousness and total dedication.
“It is expected that all corps members handle this critical assignment with a high sense of Patriotism, Integrity and responsibility.
“Corps members are urged to uphold the oath they have taken to discharge their duties and be patriotic Nigerians.
“Any corps member found practicing election malpractice would be held accountable and responsible. Corps members must keep to their integrity,” the DG said.
Gen. Olawuni, while answering questions on the security measures in place to ensure the safety of the corps members, assured that adequate measures have been put in place to avoid a recurrence of 2011.
He said that a distress call helpline had been put in place and that he is in coordination with security agencies to ensure the safety of NYSC members.
“We assure all corps members that your welfare and security have been taken into consideration. The safety and security of corps members participating in the general elections is paramount to NYSC,” he said.
Gen. Olawumi pleaded with all political parties to talk to their supporters to ensure peace during the elections.
He told the corps members that he has ensured that they are paid both their INEC and Federal Government allowances before the General Elections.
The DG assured that NYSC will be working round the clock until each corps member (on election duty) returns to his/her house.
It was disclosed at the press conference that about 134, 000 corps members would be participating as ad-hoc staff during the elections.
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