In preparation for the success of the 2023 general elections, the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele have appeared before the Federal Executive Council.
The purpose of their appearance is to brief President Muhammadu Buhari and intimate members of the Council on the activities and preparation for the forthcoming general elections.
The INEC Chairman, in his address, noted that the meeting was because of the apex bank’s unique role in the conduct of elections.
He, however, said that the meeting was particularly focused on the recent cash withdrawal policy of the CBN.Prof. Yakubu said that the Commission is challenged by this policy as there are lots of services the Commission must render with cash.
According to him, most of the logistics services that would be needed in the elections would be rendered by the unbanked, and relying on cash payment.
The INEC boss added that he is in the meeting to discuss with the CBN governor about how best to address the situation.
In his response, Emefiele, who was accompanied by 11 INEC National Commissioners, reiterated the CBN’s longstanding support for INEC, saying that it will continue to do so.
The CBN governor assured the Commission that because of the premium the CBN placed on the elections, the CBN will make whatever is needed available for INEC to pay for its logistics.
