‘EU committed to deepen democratic process in Nigeria’

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), has expressed its commitment and support  towards deepen democratic process in Nigeria.
He said ECES would achieve this through the implementation of EU-SDGN programme componet one- support to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
ECES’s  Deputy Project Coordinator, ,Manji Wilson  disclosed this yesterday in Benin at a 2-day training/workshop organised by ECES for INEC staffs and other stakeholders on operational guildlines, data collection and reporting tools in preparation for the Edo governorship election.
He said as part of its commitment, ECES has so far trained about 4,500 INEC staff on  Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC)’ implementation  tools across the 36 states and the FCT.
 ” Within the EU support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in partnership with ECES over time trained about 4,500 of its staff on the EMSC tools.
He said the training was to familiarise INEC staff with the operational guildlines, data collection and reporting tools, as well as the communication strategy for using the EMSC tool.
“ECES is a non-profit foundation which helps to deliver electoral assistance to Nigeria and other African countries mainly with funds from the EU and other EU countries. 
On his part,  INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Planning and Monitoring Support Committee, Mustapha Leeky, noted that  the workshop was to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of election activities in Edo. 
Represented by the Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, professor Mohammad Kuna, said the workshop would also strengthen and imorove performance of INEC staff during election. 
Also speaking, Ed state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Johnson Alalibo, said the workshops will provide participants with requisite knowledge and as well sensitise them on their expected roles during Edo governorship election,”.
The workshop was titled ‘Edo Amber Zone Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC)’ implementation workshop.