By Joy Odor
The Chairman of Independent National Electroal Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has meet to address the issue of cashless policy for the payment of election service providers for a hitch free exercise.
Such as transportation and human support services that have to be immediately remunerated either partially or in full before services are rendered.
Prof Yakubu in his address at the meeting in Abuja on Wednesday informed that in line with the provisions of extant laws and regulations, service providers are generally paid by means of electronic transfer to their accounts.
He narrated that emergency situations may arise requiring immediate cash payments and due to policy involving the redesign of some denominations of the national currency, the visit because imperative.
INEC Chairman opined that the Commission is encouraged by the continued willingness of the apex bank to support INEC determination to deliver credible elections on 25th February 2023 and 11th March 2023, particularly the facilitation of activities necessary for the success of the elections in an area where the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has exclusive responsibility.
“We are confident that arising from this meeting, we can assuage the anxiety expressed by some of our service providers. We are determined to make the 2023 General Election one of the best organized elections in Nigeria but we cannot do it alone.
“That is why the Commission is mobilizing every critical national institution for the success of the election. This meeting is part of this effort” he noted.
Responding, Mr Godwin Emefiele affirmed that CBN would not allow itself, either to be used or seen as an agent that frustrated a positive outcome of 2023 election.
According to him, INEC project is the topmost and urgent National assignment that cannot fail, expressing that the apex bank is committed to support INEC in the area of electronic means of payment and cash to the service providers during the general election.
“I give you that commitment that whatever you need, we will make it available. It is nothing to worry and I will make sure that we do not fail” CBN Gov said.
