2023 elections: INEC redeploys 186 officials serving in states of origin

By Ogaga Ariemu

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed 186 staff of the commission.

Among the affected officials are 46 Heads of Departments (HODs) either serving in their States of origin or have served for between 10 and 32 years in the same State.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, said the exercise was to ensure efficient and optimal performance.

Okoye describes the situation where some officials are found serving in their states of origin as unhealthy for the sensitive responsibilities they discharge.

“In line with the Commission’s existing posting policy, henceforth no Head of Department (HoD) or Electoral Officer (EO) shall serve in his/her State of origin. Furthermore, no staff shall serve for more than two electoral cycles in the same duty post.

“Consequently, the Commission has identified 186 staff for immediate redeployment. Among them are 46 HoDs who are either serving in their States of origin or served for more than two electoral cycles in the same State as well as 140 EOs serving in their States of origin or served for more than two electoral cycles in the same State.

“The redeployed staff are to complete the handing and taking over not later than Wednesday March 9, 2022.

“This will be an ongoing exercise that will extend to other categories of staff in the Commission’s Headquarters, State and Local Government offices nationwide”, Okoye said.