The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says all network providers in Nigeria have assured of 100 percent coverage for electronic transmission of results.
Recall that the national assembly blocked the electronic transmission of election results in the electoral act amendment bill.
The bill was eventually passed at the senate, but with a clause allowing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to certify national coverage, followed by an approval by the national assembly before INEC can transmit results electronically.
The NCC had also stated that only 50% of polling units in Nigeria have network coverage for e-transmission of results when it appeared before a house of representatives panel.
Speaking during a programme on African Independent Television (AIT), on Friday, Nick Dazang, INEC’s director of publicity and voter education, said the position of the NCC on poor network coverage is not tenable.
“In January 2018, INEC approached NCC that it wants a
technological-driven commission and both have been working closely to deliver
free, fair and credible elections in our country for the benefit of our
citizens,” Dazang said.
“They are also aware that two network providers, MTN and
Airtel have assisted JAMB conduct their examinations across Nigeria. So, INEC
is still wondering why NCC has suddenly made a U-turn that there is not enough
network coverage in every part of Nigeria.
“I am convinced that if INEC was given the chance to appear
before the national assembly alongside NCC, the commission would have told the
distinguished senators and honourable members that all the network providers in
Nigeria have assured INEC that network coverage is 100 percent across the
country.
“There is no website that is not prone to attack by hackers
even in the most advanced nations but Nigerians should be rest assured that
INEC has what it takes to fight off hackers and the commission is well prepared
to safeguard its websites against hackers.
“I also want NASS members to think like statesmen. They
should think about the future, not about the next election. Let us always look
at the bigger picture. It pains INEC that beneficiaries of transparent
elections are in the forefront of working to weaken the commission by asking
INEC to share its powers with other agencies or take permission from another
agency before performing its statutory functions guaranteed by the constitution
of Nigeria.”
Dazang asked the national assembly to revisit the issue and
approve the unconditional electronic transmission of results.
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