The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a two day training for its Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) on polling and counting procedures for Bayelsa Governorship Election.
According to a statement issued by INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Mary Nkem, on Tuesday in Abuja, the training which started on Monday was part of the commission’s preparations for the state forthcoming election.
Nkem said that at the end of the training organized by the Electoral Institute, the participants should be able to demonstrate the ability to organize and conduct training on polling and counting.
She affirmed that the training was also to help them effectively perform the electoral functions of SPOs in line with the Regulation and Guidelines for the conduct of Elections 2022.
She said that in line with change management principles, INEC employed the strategy to deploy mostly its staff to function as Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) for the Bayelsa election.
“However, participants were drawn and trained at six Commission state offices namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Crossrivers, Delta, Edo and Rivers State.
“This strategy guarantees professionalism and a seamless Electoral service delivery for Electorates in Bayelsa State,” she stated.
She quoted the Director-General of TEI, Dr Sa’ad Idris, in his goodwill message as advising the participants to be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties.
Idris said the event was to ensure quality step-down of the training for Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).
He advised the participants to acquaint themselves with the technology-driven initiatives introduced into the processes and procedures of election day activities.
Idris said that the deployment of INEC staff members to function as SPOs in an election is an indication that the commission would not entertain any excuse for inefficiency.
