Abuja-The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) said on Friday that the use of card readers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would discourage rigging in the forthcoming general elections.
Its President, Malam Mohammed Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the card reader was necessary for the success, credibility and integrity of the elections.
He pointed out that the credibility and acceptability of any electoral process depended on how free and fair it was.
Garba said the use of the card readers would ensure transparency in the process.
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“We are really convinced that the card reader is the best thing that can happen to our electoral system.
“We have seen the success it has recorded during the mock trial. Of course there are problems but these problems can easily be rectified by INEC.
“And they have expressed their willingness to ratify whatever it is and I think it is the best thing because we are made to understand that it will not allow rigging,’’ he said.
Garba, however, called on Nigerians to support the INEC to ensure the success of the elections.
He appealed to INEC to address all lapses associated with the distribution of voters’ cards and the card reader machines before the elections.
Garba urged the media to ensure that reporters deployed to cover the elections were properly insured. (NAN)
