• Says commission not recruiting staff

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Wednesday that only a review of the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act can guarantee greater representation of women and other marginalized groups in elective offices in the country.

The commission also dismissed publications making the rounds in the country about its recruitment drive, describing it as fake, while asking Nigerians to disregard it

Speaking during an advocacy visit by Women’s Collectives Forum on Women’s participation in elective positions and party leadership, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said affirmative action supported by a clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions, will aid more women’s participation in elective offices.

Yakubu said, “This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

“Accordingly, the ongoing review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with our lawmakers for appropriate legislative action. Happily, the matter is back on the legislative agenda.

“At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions.

“The Commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalized groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions.

“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the Commission’s support at all times”.

He said further that “INEC is an equal opportunities organization. We believe in inclusivity both in the workplace and in the discharge of our extensive responsibilities as an Election Management Body. Today, 12 out of 22 Departments and Directorates of the Commission are headed by women.

“This means that 55% of the Directors at the Headquarters here in Abuja are women. Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women.

“With regard to the electoral process, we have a gender policy which is periodically revised and updated. We have also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalized and underrepresented groups in the electoral process.

“Similarly, in our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for underrepresented groups in party leadership. Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.

Meanwhile, the Commission (INEC) warned Nigerians to beware of a fake advertorial currently circulating on social media, claiming that the Commission is recruiting for various positions and directing applicants to a fraudulent portal, www.inecrecruitment.com, saying it does not have such a website and is not conducting any general recruitment exercise.

“INEC is not recruiting. Do not fall victim to the antics of criminal elements,” the Commission said.

It, however, said that in preparation for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, INEC has officially launched its dedicated online portal for the recruitment of ad-hoc staff.

It explained that the initiative demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections and encourages eligible Nigerians to apply for temporary roles essential to ensuring a smooth electoral process.

It said, “Vacancies are available for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs I, II, III), as well as Registration Area Technical Support (RATECHs) and Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers, with each position having specific eligibility criteria, including public servants, corps members, ICT professionals, and staff of host schools.”

It emphasized that all applications must be submitted exclusively through its official recruitment portal, www.pres.inecnigeria.org, and that only entries received through this channel will be considered.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusivity and urged qualified Nigerians to seize this opportunity while cautioning the public to ignore fraudulent messages that could mislead unsuspecting applicants.

It restated that participation in the official recruitment exercise is strictly for the ad-hoc positions needed for the Anambra Governorship Election, and nothing more. (The Nation)