By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – The Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE), Kaduna Branch, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), to domesticate its technology by engaging Nigerian Engineers in the design and implementation of its software.
The Society stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of it 2019 interactive session with professional organizations with the theme: “The Nigerian Electoral Process: The Role of Professionals” held in Kaduna over the weekend.
The communiqué tasked Nigerian professionals to come up with a more robust technology that will enable the Card Reader be used not only for verification and authentication of voters but also to transmit election results.
The forum also recognized Multiple registration as a major challenge to the Electronic Voters Register (EVR); and advised INEC to synergize with other agencies to develop a central database for all Nigerians.
“Elections are the only legitimate medium that governments are formed, hence it must be carried out with utmost integrity
“INEC has been tasked to pursue amendments of its law to enable it conduct electronic voting come 2023.
“Law enforcement agencies should not be seen as a tool in the hands of the politicians. Proper sanctions must be given to any erring staff/personnel.
“Legal Practitioners should desist from taking undue advantage of the current Electoral laws by way of securing court injunctions that serves as clog in the wheels of the Commission.
“INEC has to vigorously pursue Continuous Voter Education especially in the interior villages and remote areas.
“Journalists and media outfits should ensure positive reportage and level playing ground to parties involved,” the communiqué reads.
In his remarks, Chairman, NSE Kaduna Branch, Engr Nasiru Dallatu Umar, said as engineers they can offer a lot in the area of ensuring a free and air election in Nigeria particularly in the area of technical/equipment support.
“I believe we as engineers are complying with the urge by our President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari to team up and reverse the Nigerian infrastructural deficit.
“The President said and I quote, ‘Nigerian problems require uniquely Nigerian solution’.
“On this note I want to call on all tiers of government to genuinely look inward and patronize indigenous engineers in attending to our Nigerian problem as stated by the Nigerian President,”said.