By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The incessant attacks on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices and fear of hackers will not derail the smooth conduct of the 2023 general election which will hold between February and March next year.
This is the position of INEC Director of Security, Mr. Lebari Nduh while speaking on Arise News breakfast programme ‘The Morning Show’ monitored in Abuja on Tuesday on the unending attacks on INEC offices across the country.
Speaking specifically on Monday’s attack on Owerri headquarters of INEC in Imo state, Nduh said that theCommission needs credible intelligence reports to be able to nip such attacks in the bud.
According to him it is about time the citizens get involved in the protection of INEC critical infrastructure by simply providing credible intelligence to enable relevant federal government agencies to prevent such attacks on INEC facilities.
Asked if the incessant attacks on the Commission’s offices will not affect the smooth conduct of next year’s general election, Nduh said INEC is on top of the situation as no attack can stop it from conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in 2023.
On whether INEC server is not susceptible to cyber attacks before, during and after Nigerians have cast their votes in 2023, the Director of Security stated clearly that the Commission is adequately prepared to deal with whatever challenges that will occur during the elections.
Said he: “I want to align myself with the promises made by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu that the Commission is more than prepared for the elections. He has also told the nation that attempts have been made to hack the INEC server during past elections but the Commission’s IT engineers were equal to the task”.
Nduh insists that INEC cyber security is top notch and is capable of dealing with any issues that will arise as Nigerians go to the polls from February 25, 2023.
