INEC may resume next week

On plans to resume, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said a decision might be taken next Thursday on the plan for the resumption of its staff in line with advisory and protocols outlined by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on combating COVID-19 on the gradual easing of lockdown from next Monday.

A statement by Festus Okoye, its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the decision was arrived at after a management meeting where it deliberated on a number of issues including preparations for the conduct of Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections, the upcoming bye-elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Plateau States and plans for resumption of normal activities.

Okoye further disclosed that at next Thursday’s meeting, the Commission would review the situation in its offices across the country and adopt a clear road map and guidelines for the resumption of activities in line with the announcement by the PTF.

Ahead of next week’s meeting, the Commission maintained that Staff earlier designated for the provision of essential services were to continue with their work.

The statement further read in part: ” The exact date for the step-by-step resumption of normal activities in the Headquarters, State and Local Government offices will be communicated to staff, our stakeholders and the public after the Commission’s meeting on Thursday 7 May 2020.

“All stakeholders are advised to wait for further communication from the Commission on the resumption of normal activities.

“The Commission understands and appreciates the need for timely resumption of activities in view of the Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States and the bye-elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Plateau States and is doing everything possible to observe critical protocols that will make for the seamless and gradual restoration of normalcy. ”

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