CIPPON hails Buhari’s nod for e-polls, wants ballot papers printed locally

The Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the amended electoral law, which backs the use of smart card readers and electronic transmission of election results.

In a statement, yesterday, by the President/Chairman-in Council-of CIPPON Mr. Malomo Olugbemi, and General Secretary, Mr. Akin Oduwole, the printers described the move as a game-changer and major evolution in the nation’s electioneering process.

Established by Act 24 of 2007, CIPPON is charged with control, management and administration of printing and related matters in Nigeria.

While congratulating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, the institute said it expects nothing less than a credible election subsequently.

The statement reads: “With the President’s assent to the amended Electoral Act, the legalisation of the card reader has taken away a lot of pressure from the ballot paper, such that ballot paper snatching is now confined to the dust bin of history.

“The electronic transmission of result will further add credence and share in the integrity of the election, taking off a lot of pressure on the ballot paper; as the only burden on the ballot paper is to ensure that the ballot paper that left INEC office is the same that returned.”

To solve the logistics challenges of INEC, now that global supply chain is challenged, CIPPON expressed readiness to work with INEC to expand her printers supply base through identification and audit of more printing companies from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

“CIPPON is, therefore, prepared to work with INEC to ensure that 100 per cent local production of ballot paper in Nigeria is attainable,” it added, while warning individuals and printing companies in Nigeria not to take ballot paper abroad to print.

“Printers are advised to print what their capacity can take, so that others with verifiable capabilities can also partake. We must start putting the nation’s interests above individual interests.

“Any member that attempts to take ballot paper abroad against the ‘spirit’ of our ‘let Nigerian printing jobs remain in Nigeria’ will be sanctioned accordingly and its licence revoked.”