The INEC National Commissioner also explained that even though no form of insurance cover could replace a human life, the commission had put in place group life and accident insurance for the over 26,000 permanent and ad hoc staff deployed for the election.
He pointed out that the commission required at least 25,009 ad hoc staff and when added to other categories of staff, it needed at least 26,000 but that there was a slight shortfall due to anxiety in the state.
He however did not disclose the insurance companies that provided the cover.
He stated, “Over 26,000 ad hoc staff will be involved in this election. Staff of the commission will also be involved in the election. The commission has a group life and accident insurance for all the permanent and ad hoc staff that will be deployed for the election.
“We engaged reputable insurance companies for the purpose of providing insurance cover for our staff and critical national assets.
“The security agencies involved in election security remain within the command and control of their various agencies. The Commission only compliments what the security agencies are providing.”
On the safety of corps members, Okoye said the commission had a history of according the welfare and safety of corps members priority, adding, “We have assured them of their safety and their welfare. We will secure the Registration Area Centres. We will secure their lodges. We will protect the polling units and we will leave no stone unturned in protecting them.
“The corps members are determined to serve their nation and we are determined to protect them.”
Punch
