The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said it would work out modalities for resuming engagements with political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders in relation to the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the commission met on Thursday and deliberated on the step-by-step protocol for its resumption of activities and operations.
According to him, the meeting also deliberated on preparations for the conduct of the two states governorship elections and other pending senatorial and state assembly bye elections.
Okoye said INEC would liaise with security agencies and health authorities on resumption of work in the two states as soon as possible.
He said: “The commission will resume engagement with political parties, civil society groups and organisations, the media and other stakeholders in relation to the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.”
He said the modalities for the engagements would be worked out and considered at the Commission’s next meeting on May 14, 2020.
Meanwhile, Okoye said the commission has directed directors and other designated staff of the various departments to resume work at the INEC National Headquarters on Wednesday May 13.
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He noted that only staff below 58 years of age with no serious underlying health issues would resume.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and all other staff with underlying health conditions should remain at home for the time being, he said.
He disclosed that the commission resolved to carry out comprehensive decontamination of its national headquarters, annex at Blantyre Street, the Electoral Institute and its Area 10 office housing its staff clinic.
Okoye said parts of the commission’s resolution at the meeting was “to follow the Federal Government Guidelines on resumption protocols and procedure”.
They include providing infrared thermometers, soap and water at entrances and installing hand sanitiser dispensers at strategic points in the commission.
Others are: “to train its staff, particularly the cleaners and office assistants on cleaning protocols and strict compliance with federal government guidelines as well as its own specific protocols for resumption.
“To issue comprehensive guidelines for the first phase of its resumption in compliance with the directives of the federal government and health authorities.
“These guidelines will be posted on its notice boards and uploaded on the website of the commission on Monday May 11.”
