Nigeria Content Online

Abdulkadri
Oniyang and Amina Zakari, the two newest national commissioners of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have expressed doubts
over the use of electronic voting in the 2011 election.

The two
commissioners said Nigeria was not ready for electronic voting yet, an
indication that they might not support its introduction in next year’s
election.

During an interview
session that preceded the confirmation of their appointments by the
Senate, both commissioners argued that introducing electronic voting
now may disenfranchise some Nigerians.

“The essence of
voting is to ensure that people are able to exercise their civic
right,” Mr. Oniyangi argued. “I don’t think electronic voting will give
room for the people to exercise their right.” He, however, said
electronic voting would suffice if accuracy of statistics was the focal
issue.

On her part, Mrs. Zakari argued that the voters are not sufficiently educated to use the electronic voting platform now.

“If we don’t have enough education, it will be difficult to apply,” she said. “We have to educate the voters first.”

Their confirmation
brings the number of national commissioners of INEC confirmed by the
Senate, so far, to nine. Two vacancies are yet to be filled. President
Goodluck Jonathan had withdrawn his nomination of Abdullahi Bagudu
Mamman, a retired military general, who is a member of the Board of
Trustees of the PDP; and Mohammed Zakki Anka, an ambassador who aspired
for the governorship of Zamfara State in 1999.

Fit commissioner

Mr. Oniyangi, 75, who currently runs a private clinic, said he was very fit for the INEC job.

“I am very fit,” he
declared. “If there is any evidence to show that I am going down, I
will be the first to throw in the towel. As I am now, I think I am
going to stay till I’m 105,” he said.

Mr. Oniyangi also argued that he would not be susceptible to bribery and corruption while serving in the position.

“I am not hungry! I
was born with a silver spoon. Anybody who knows me in Ilorin should
know that. So, I will not be swayed, and I think national issue is more
important than taking bribe,” he added.

The two commissioners promised to efficiently utilise their
experience in both public and private life to ensure adequate planning
and delivery of election materials to polling booths on time.