By: Mercy Peter
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has stressed the need for collaboration among Electoral management bodies in the subregion.
Yakubu, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi spoke at an occasion marking the dedication of Liberia’s National Elections Commission Workspace for its staff.
Prof. Yakubu inauguratedProf. workspace at the instance of NEC Liberia’s Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah.
Prof. Yakubu, the statement further said call for peer support amidst limited resources.
“Emphasizing the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, Prof. Yakubu underscored the complexity of election management and urged prioritizing peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs,” the statement stated.
“Yakubu expressed heartfelt appreciation to NEC-Liberia for the esteemed honour bestowed upon INEC Nigeria in dedicating the Workspace to staff.
“He emphasized the value of the resource in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through Information and Technology (IT) facilities.
“Prof. Yakubu recalled INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election, highlighting the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register.
” Furthermore, he noted INEC’s technical support ahead of subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in the recent general election.”
The Liberian Electoral body also extended an honorary tribute to INEC Chairman.
Speaking earlier at the occasion, Madam Lansanah acknowledged the pivotal technical support rendered by INEC and Prof. Yakubu in establishing the Workspace and bolstering the electoral process in Liberia.
She expressed NEC Liberia’s profound gratitude for what she described as “the indispensable contributions made by Prof. Yakubu and INEC Nigeria in sustaining Liberia’s democratic journey.”
Recalling Prof. Yakubu’s role as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), Madam Lansanah highlighted his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs).
She commended his influential efforts, resulting in Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021. She thanked Prof Yakubu for his steadfast backing of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavours.
