The NBA President has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to establish a clear command structure ahead of elections in Nigeria.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo, SAN, said clear lines of authority would help prevent conflicts among agencies and other stakeholders during elections.
She made the call during the 2023 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri.
Mrs Badejo said election officials and other stakeholders needed to understand their responsibilities before voting begins.
She also appealed to the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to develop clear strategies for the conduct of elections.
According to her, a properly defined command structure would allow stakeholders to know who is responsible for each aspect of the electoral process.
She said this would also help officials carry out their duties without confusion or overlapping responsibilities.
The NBA President stressed the importance of coordination among institutions involved in elections.
Elections in Nigeria involve several stakeholders, including INEC, the police and other security agencies. Political parties and their agents also play roles in the process.
Therefore, Badejo said clear coordination was necessary to reduce disagreements over responsibilities.
She urged the electoral commission to put the necessary arrangements in place before election activities begin.
Her comments came as senior police officers gathered in Owerri for the conference and retreat.
The event provided a platform for discussions on policing and other issues linked to public safety and governance.
The NBA President’s call also highlights the importance of defining responsibilities among agencies involved in election management.
With clear roles, officials can follow established procedures and respond more effectively when challenges arise.
For INEC, such arrangements could provide a framework for cooperation among electoral officials, security agencies and other stakeholders during elections.
The commission is responsible for organising and overseeing elections in Nigeria. Its decisions and preparations therefore affect how electoral activities are carried out across the country.
The NBA President said establishing clear lines of command would help stakeholders understand their roles and follow through on them.
