INEC reorganises, creates additional departments

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reorganised its Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC) and that of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP).

The Commission has also created a Department of Litigation and Prosecution (DL&P) and a Department of Legal Drafting and Clearance (LDCD) out of the present Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC).

INEC says this is part of its preparation for major off-cycle Governorship elections and the 2023 general election for improved effectiveness and efficient management of its human resources and assets.

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In the same vein, the Commission approved the de-establishment of the Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Liaison Department (VEP) and in its place established the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP), as well as the Gender and Inclusivity Department (GID).

“The changes in the Department of Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints (LSC&CC) are urgent and imperative as the Commission is determined to strengthen its statutory powers of prosecuting electoral offenders.

“Similarly, the Commission is also determined to proactively communicate its policies and programmes to the Nigerian people and effectively engage and mainstream women’s groups, persons living with disability and other marginalized individuals in the electoral process.

“These reorganizations and realignments would not affect the structure and functions of the State Offices of the Commission. Legal Services and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Desks at the state level will still function under the Head of Department of Legal Services, while that of Gender and Inclusivity will remain under the Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity.

“The re-organisation takes immediate effect,” INEC said.

PRESS RELEASE

Reorganisation and Creation of Additional Departments. pic.twitter.com/De4FVuoO8D

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 22, 2021

PR/Zainab Sa’id