By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Determined to improve on the integrity of Nigeria elections and to ensure that electoral offenders do not escape the long arms of the law, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met Thursday in Abuja to among other issues, deliberate on the reorganization of its Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC) and that of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP).
This piece of information was contained in a press statement signed by Festus Okoye, Esq. who is INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
The statement reads in parts: “As the Commission prepares for major off cycle Governorship elections and the 2023 general election, it has become imperative to review and realign some of its departments for improved effectiveness and efficient management of its human resources and assets.
“Based on this, the Commission has created two (2) departments out of the present Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC). In the new arrangement, a Department of Litigation and Prosecution (DL&P) and a Department of Legal Drafting and Clearance (LDCD) have been established.
“In the same vein, the Commission approved the de-establishment of the Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Liaison Department (VEP) and in its place established the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP), as well as the Gender and Inclusivity Department (GID).
“The changes in the Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC) are urgent and imperative as the Commission is determined to strengthen its statutory powers of prosecuting electoral offenders.
“Similarly, the Commission is also determined to proactively communicate its policies and programmes to the Nigerian people and effectively engage and mainstream women’s groups, persons living with disability and other marginalized individuals in the electoral process.
“These reorganizations and realignments would not affect the structure and functions of the State Offices of the Commission. Legal Services and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Desks at the state level will still function under the Head of Department of Legal Services, while that of Gender and Inclusivity will remain under the Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity.
“The re-organisation takes immediate effect”, the statement said.
