NAN – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara on Friday, March 6, 2015 trained 222 ad-hoc staff on the use of card readers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the training were mainly National Youth Service Corps members.
Alhaji Abubakar Sodiq, the Electoral Officer in the council, said that the training was aimed at educating the ad hoc staff on proper handling and usage of the card readers.
He explained that the machine would authenticate both the voter’s card and its owner to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Sodiq urged the trainees to discharge of their duties well during the elections to minimise errors.
“You have become part and parcel of the INEC family and representatives, which you should consider a rare privilege and service to your father land.
“You should take total control of your polling units; that is the only way you can do away with unnecessary interference to ensure effectiveness.
“Your act of commission or omission will go a long way to determine the success or otherwise of the elections; so, you need to be focused and dedicated,“ he said.
Mrs Titilayo Folorunsho, an administrative staff of the commission, who conducted the practical aspect of the training, urged the trainees to be attentive.
“Where the card readers suddenly malfunction, you should remain calm to ward off any undue pressure from voters.
“This is the only way you can proffer workable solutions, as the person in charge, to any challenge that may arise,“ she said.
A participant, Mr Femi Adio, expressed delight at the training, saying that it would enable the participants to carry out their duties effectively.
