By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Airforce have received commendations for efficiency in airlifting and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country without hitches.
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Processor Mahmood Yakubu gave the commendation when he visited the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Monday at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters Abuja.
Yakubu commended NAF for their cooperation in the area of election security and logistic support for the timely delivery of materials during general elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections, supplementary elections and re-run elections.
He affirmed the neutrality and professionalism of NAF in particular and armed forces in general in discharging their responsibilities.
Professor Yakubu explained that his visit was to informed CAS that the Commission will conduct bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation.
INEC Boos said in nine States, two Senators, four members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly will be elected in bye-elections to replace members who passed on or resigned their memberships of the national and State Assemblies.
Professor Yakubu maintained that it is in realisation of the objective that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the delivery of materials and the protection of election officials as clearly provided for in Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He expressed that, given the size and distance of some constituencies, the Commission seek for the support of NAF to expeditiously deliver materials to three locations in the North East, South East and the South West geo-political zones of the country.
“In other States, re-run elections will take place at designated constituencies or Polling Units as ordered by the Election Appeal Tribunals.
“In all the elections will fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 28 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 Polling Units involving 4,904,627 registered voters out of which 4,613,291 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected.
“In handling such a huge national assignment, the Commission cannot do it alone. That is why we seek to mobilise every national asset, including NAF” he noted.
“Working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, materials are being delivered to many locations. We have already indicated to the Chief of the Air Staff the specific locations and the tonnage of materials to be airlifted.
“The evacuation of the materials from the focal airports to the States where election will hold will be handled by the Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria as has been the standard practice.
“Thereafter, the inspection and movement of all materials to the various Local Government Areas and beyond will be done with the full participation of all stakeholders, particularly agents of political parties and candidates, observers and the media in a transparent manner” Yakubu noted.
In his response, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar assured INEC of it’s commitment, willing, able and ready to continue supporting INEC in providing security in addition to rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country.
CAS noted that the successful conduct of elections is largely hinged on robust security and well-choreographed logistics supply chain management, adding that the relationship between NAF and INEC has been anchored on shared objectives geared towards ensuring that good governance, stability and the rule of law reign throughout all the corners of Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar reminded Professor Yakubu of some outstanding bills which are yet to be cleared by INEC, maintaining that the settlement of those bills would enable NAF to serve INEC better.
“INEC is the first institution of government to pay a courtesy call to me this year so let me start by wishing you a happy and prosperous new year 2024.
“Our beloved country stands out as a shining example for other nations of the world and is well renowned as the largest economy and democracy in Africa.
“The success of our democracy has been underpinned by strong institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission, which works tirelessly to allow all citizens to enjoy the right to decide who should govern them in free and fair elections.
“The invaluable contributions of the INEC, distinguishes democracy as a form of governance unparalleled in its commitment to the people. Furthermore, it lends credence to the slogan that democracy is the best form of government known to man.
“Recognition and Appreciation
I would like to commend Mr Chairman for the numerous initiatives which have occurred under your watch.
“Some of which included continuous voter registration, introduction of new technologies, voter education and sensitization and post-election reviews.
“Another laudable milestone achieved was the Electoral Act of 2022, which introduced reforms aimed at more timely organization of pre-electoral processes and increasing transparency in results collation and reporting.
“These and many more reforms have raised the bar of transparency and credibility in our electoral process. We thus join the chorus of voices commending your efforts and stand proud as friends of your esteemed organisation.
“We therefore see your visit to us today as a sign of your commitment to strengthen the bonds between both organisations.
“At the moment, our C-130s are currently undergoing maintenance but we have other aircraft that can be employed to move sensitive materials. The caveat is that we need to move those materials a little earlier due to the capacity of the airplanes which we have available.
“Once again, I want to express my gratitude to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and his entourage for coming all the way to visit us today.
“I believe that this encounter will serve as a platform for even greater cooperation and synergy between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact we can collectively make Nigeria stand strong as the giant of Africa” CAS concluded.
