By Olusegun Lawrence The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega Wednesday appeared before the Senate, during which he demonstrated how the Card Reader Machine works.
The Senate at plenary had on Tuesday summoned Jega to appear before it to explain what informed the postponement of the general elections and demonstrate how the card reader works.
To convince the lawmakers the efficiency of the card reader, the INEC boss tested the Machine with the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) of a Senate member, Bukura Yerima.
Yerima’s PVC was slotted into the Card Reader Machine; it displayed his photograph, indicating also that he is from Zamfara State.
According to Jega, only the PVC would be used for the 2015 general elections to prevent fraud, saying that it is in accordance with the constitution.
Jega told the lawmakers that INEC is empowered by section 16 subsection 4 to use card readers for the election.
However, he used the opportunity to clarify that card readers are to be used for accreditation of voters only and not for voting.
On the postponement of the elections, Jega said, “We have done wide reaching consultations to enable us have as much input as necessary before taking an informed decision.
“In the series of consultations that we had with stakeholders, the questions constantly posed to them for consideration are; in view of the latest developments, should INEC proceed with the conduct of the general elections as scheduled in spite of the strong advice and if so, what alternative security arrangements are available to be put in place.
“The second is; should INEC take the advice of the security chiefs and adjust the schedules of the general elections within the framework of the constitutional provisions,” Professor Jega said.
Prompt News reports that the Presidential and National Assembly elections were earlier slated for February 14 while Governorship and State Legislative elections were billed for February 28.
The elections have now been rescheduled for March 28 and April 11 respectively, sequel to advice by the Service Chiefs.
