By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
In line with its efforts to conduct a free and fair elections that winners and losers will be satisfied with its outcome, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a Two-Day Sensitization Workshop in Asaba for INEC Welfare Desk Officers drawn from the Southern States.
Declaring the Workshop open Monday in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of the state, Pastor Monday Udoh Tom said the workshop bears eloquent testimony to the commitment of the Commission to the welfare of not only its permanent staff , but also all cadre of ad hoc staff.
Account to him, “Some of the key aspects of the Commission’s welfare policy for ad hoc staff, life insurance policy, accident insurance, among others. It is on this premise we assure all ad hoc staff who would be mobilized for the Isoko North State Constituency bye-election of adequate security, and welfare cover, should the unexpected happen , God forbid.
The REC speech read in parts:
“Let me begin by thanking God for the dawning of a new day and in particular lift up our hearts to Him in gratitude for journey mercies for all participants, most of whom came into Asaba from far and near, in the midst of uncertainties and the hazards of travel in the country.
“It is therefore with delight I welcome participants to the 2 Day Sensitization Workshop for INEC Welfare Desk Officers, drawn from the Southern States. The choice of Asaba, to host this all important workshop speaks to the serenity and ambience prevalent in the State Capital, which makes it a conference and workshop destination of choice.
“On the subject matter of this particular workshop, you will agree with me on the inevitability of certain occurrences in human life, more so for those in the service of the Commission; some of which include sickness, accident, deaths and retirements, etc.
“This workshop bears eloquent testimony to the commitment of the Commission to the welfare of not only its permanent staff , but also all cadre of adhoc staff. Some of the key aspects of the Commission’s welfare policy for adhoc staff, life insurance policy, accident insurance , among others
It is on this premise we assure all adhoc staff who would be mobilized for the Isoko North State Constituency bye-election of adequate security, and welfare cover, should the unexpected happen , God forbid.
“Nevertheless I want to use this opportunity to make an appeal for peaceful conduct, before, during and after the bye-election, by Deltans and Isoko North people in particular.
“We must always have at the back of our mind that, nobody’s political ambition is worth the loss of one life, how much more the regrettable killing of three persons , in the truncated State Constituency bye-election in Ekit, over the weekend .
“While we pray for the repose of the soul of the dead and quick recovery of the injured in that unfortunate incident, we also ask that you remember us in prayer , as we conduct the bye-election here in Delta State .
“I therefore have no doubt that, this workshop will provide the platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, so as to ensure that, this sphere of activity accords with current trends and best practices.
“This workshop for Welfare Desk Officers is not only timely, but also a necessary corollary to the efficient administration of the Commission’s human asset.
“I urge participants to give this workshop all the focus and attention it deserve, so as to be better equipped to deliver on the mandate assigned to you.”
