NAN – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said on Friday, February 6, 2015 it would accord priority to pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with disabilities during the forthcoming general election.
Dr Godwin Kwanga, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau, made this known during a capacity building workshop on Gender, Youth and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), organised by the commission in Jos.
The REC said INEC had directed its officials including ad-hoc staff, to also accord priority to the elderly during the polls.
Represented by Mrs Chinyere Okororie, the Desk Officer for Gender, Civil Society and PWDs, Kwanga said such group of Nigerians would be allowed to cast their votes first.
According to him, those with visual impairment will be allowed to bring someone they trust to assist them in casting their votes after going through necessary screening by INEC officials.
One of the participants, Mr Godwin Okoro advised the youths against engaging in violence throughout the period of the elections.
“Election is not a means to engage in war or violence, as young people, we should not allow ourselves to be used by those with nefarious intentions as violence has never won an election.
“Let your choice be devoid of religious or ethnic sentiments, but based on a candidate’s ability to deliver good governance,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had youths, women groups and people with disabilities in attendance.
