Election 2015 and PVC: NCS ready to partner INEC to cushion future challenges

ITRealms:

The President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. David Adewumi has expressed its readiness to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cushion the challenges of recently introduced Card Reader and Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in the nation’s electoral system, reports ITRealms.

Prof. Adewumi made this assertion in a public statement made available to ITRealms by the Chairman, Publicity, Events and Trade Services Committee of NCS, Mr. Jide Awe, saying that they are ready and willing to partner with INEC and other stakeholders on Information Technology (IT) matters towards the upliftment of the Nigerian nation.

Addressing some salient issues relevant to IT sectoral development in the light of the ongoing 2015 electoral process to position and sustain democracy in Nigeria. 

He stress that as the umbrella association of all IT professionals and stakeholders facilitating the development of Nigeria’s digital economy, NCS is committed to playing its advocacy role to ensure the nation receives the very best in processes, technologies and people. 

NCS observed during the last election on Saturday, March 28, 2015 that IT contributions and initiatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the most recent being the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the electoral process, needs improved project management in the deployment of IT as well as security management.

“Logistic issues and delays in PVC distribution being experienced are painfully not ideal in today’s 21^st century. Further innovation of the electoral management process is required with inputs from NCS and stakeholders, most especially in terms of considering electronic voting for future elections,” he said. 

The 2015 elections, NCS said, are about the future of Nigeria, hence the role of IT is critical to development and growth. 

“”Though there has been improvement, a lot still needs to be done. As the 2015 election approaches, NCS challenges present and aspiring political leaders to prioritize IT sector productivity as well as improved impact and depth of IT development. 

According to him, NCS is concerned that those seeking votes are not addressing these critical matters. 

“We urge the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels both states and federal; with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges,” he said.

Particularly, he advised that answers are needed about what they will do to strengthen important government agencies in IT, most especially National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). 

Quite importantly, NCS president pointed that response will be nice to be received on what they will do about legislation to foster the development of IT and IT enabled activities, growth of the IT profession and industry, professionalizing the industry by way of having IT professionals on the boards of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and preferential usage of Nigerian professionals in IT projects. 

+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms)
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