Fear grips INEC staff over reform

The reform at the Nigeria Electoral Commission is aimed at building
capacity for staff.
The fear of retirement and transfer has gripped the staffers of the
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as they await the
implementation of sweeping reforms in the organisation on April 5.
The reform, initiated by the INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, is also
aimed at building the capacities of INEC officers for effective and
optimum service delivery.
The implementation of the reform is expected to start with the
directorate cadre, followed by other members of staff.
Some of the staff were seen at the headquarters of the organisation in
groups discussing the issue.
A source at the commission said that there were over 60 directors in
the commission across the country.
The source said that some of the directors had exceeded the mandatory
35 years in service while others were over 60 years of age stipulated
for public officers to quit service in the country.
The source said some of the directors, who had two years left in
service, were given the option of voluntary retirement, while those
who had spent eight years as directors were to be retired based on the
Federal Government circular.
The source explained that at the end of the exercise, some of the
directors not affected would be posted to serve as Administrative
Secretaries in the states.
The source stressed that the issue of over stay of staff of INEC in
office had been on before Mr. Jega's administration.
"The reorganisation of the commission is aimed at making it respond to
all emerging challenges and improve the working condition of the
staff, for them to be more committed," the source said.
The source said that after the exercise, many measures would begin to
unfold for the development of the commission and its entire staff.
The source said that some of the directors on Thursday tendered their
letters of retirement.
Also, some of the staff of the commission who did not want their names
mentioned, said the exercise is long overdue.
They said this would give them the opportunity to move to the next
step and improve their working conditions.
Some senior officials expressed optimism that with the exercise, INEC
would "conveniently" discharge its constitutional responsibility
successfully in the next general elections.
Some of the staff noted that with the reform exercise, "Jega and his
team would make a giant stride in improving the working conditions of
commission.'