Ondo 2024: INEC Chairman Warns Transport Unions Against Inimical Actions

By Nathaniel Gana

Wednesday 6th November 2024

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has issued a strong appeal to transport unions to fulfill their commitment to support the democratic process.

Addressing representatives from three major unions involved in election logistics – the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Prof. Yakubu emphasized the critical role of transportation to achieving a smooth and credible election.

At the meeting, held today at INEC’s State Office in Akure, Prof. Yakubu noted that despite extensive preparations over the past year, the election’s success would eventually be measured by the voters’ experiences, particularly at the polling units.

He explained: “We promised that polling units would open at 8:30 in the morning. But if the voters arrive at the polling units and don’t see INEC officials or materials, it would look as if we have not prepared at all in the last one year.”

Prof. Yakubu urged the union leaders to approach their obligations with the seriousness of a “national responsibility,” noting that INEC’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them requires reliable, serviceable vehicles and boats to transport election personnel and materials securely and on time.

He insisted that only vehicles in good working condition should be deployed for the election. “We don’t want to see vehicles without seats. Our ad-hoc staff will not sit on the floor of vehicles,” he said, adding, “we don’t want vehicles that could breakdown or cause delays on Election Day.”

Prof. Yakubu also called for accountability, reminding the union representatives and INEC officials that any failure in logistics would have serious consequences.

He repeated his earlier warning: “We don’t want reports of vehicles breaking down en route to polling units, nor do we want insufficient vehicles leading to delays. The Commission expects the unions to fulfill their promises without any stories on Election Day.”

The INEC Chairman also underscored the need for drivers to remain with INEC staff throughout the election day processes, including the outward and return journeys of personnel, materials, and election results to the collation centers.

He urged the unions: “Please don’t abandon these young chaps (National Youth Service Corps members). He affirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding its part of the agreement, just as he called on the unions to honour their responsibilities for the benefit of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, reinforced the critical role of transport unions in ensuring a credible and efficient election process. In her welcome address at the meeting, Mrs. Babalola also emphasized the importance of effective transportation of materials and personnel to the success of any election.

She said: “The role and steadfast support of the transport providers cannot be overemphasized. Your role in ensuring the smooth transportation of election materials and personnel is vital in mitigating the challenges associated with the movement of men and materials before, during, and after the election.”

Mrs. Babalola reassured the transport unions of the Commission’s committment to fully support them in their responsibilities. She said that the Commission would provide all the tools and resources outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties, to enable them to meet the logistics requirements on Election Day.

She further emphasized INEC’s commitment to the safety and welfare of the transport providers, revealing that there would be a close coordination with security agencies to ensure the safety and smooth movement of election materials and personnel.

The REC also pledged that all payments due to the unions for services rendered would be made promptly, reinforcing INEC’s dedication to supporting the unions’ contributions to the democratic process.