By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
On Friday, December 29, 2023, The Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) extended an honorary tribute to Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The event marked the dedication of a Workspace for staff, officiated by Prof. Yakubu at the invitation of Chairperson of Liberia’s NEC. Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah,
Lansanah, in her remark, acknowledged the pivotal technical support rendered by INEC Nigeria and Professor Yakubu in establishing the Workspace and bolstering the electoral process in Liberia.
She emphasized NEC Liberia’s profound gratitude for the indispensable contributions made by Professor Yakubu and INEC Nigeria in sustaining Liberia’s democratic journey.
It would be recalled that Professor Yakubu’s role as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), Madam Lansanah highlighted his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs).
In a statement by the Chairperson
National Elections Commission
Monrovia, She commended his influential efforts, resulting in Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021 and expressed gratitude for his steadfast backing of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavours.
In his response, Professor Yakubu expressed heartfelt appreciation to NEC-Liberia for the esteemed honour bestowed upon INEC Nigeria in dedicating the Workspace to staff.
He emphasized the value of the resource in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through IT facilities.
Reflecting on past collaborations, Yakubu recalled INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election.
He highlighted the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register.
Furthermore, he noted INEC’s technical support ahead of subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in the recent general election.
Emphasizing the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, Professor Yakubu underscored the complexity of election management and urged prioritizing peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni; Mr. Manir Ibrahim, Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia; the Representative of the Liberian Bar Association, alongside the Co-Chairperson, Members of the Board of Commissioners, senior officials, and well-wishers of NEC Liberia.
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