KWASIEC Finally Clarifies Ad-hoc Staff Payment Controversy
The Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Muhammed Baba Okanla, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the payment of stipends to ad-hoc staff who worked during the September 21 local government elections in Kwara State.
In a press statement signed by the chairman, KWSIEC asserted that the majority of ad-hoc staff had been paid, leaving only a small group unpaid due to issues such as incorrect account details, mismatched names, or errors in posts or places of work.
"The commission is committed to the principles of transparency, fairness, accountability, and due process," said Okanla. "I have built a reputation of integrity in my previous roles, and KWSIEC will continue to uphold these values."
Okanla also revealed that some individuals attempted to exploit the system by submitting fake positions and polling units or impersonating others who did not participate in the elections. He stressed that only those who were officially recruited, posted, and actively worked during the exercise would be paid.
He further clarified that all legitimate ad-hoc staff have been paid except for those experiencing bank or network-related issues. To resolve these cases, affected individuals are urged to visit the commission with their bank statements covering October 1, 2024, to date for verification and settlement.
This clarification seeks to address lingering frustrations among unpaid workers while emphasizing the commission's commitment to fair practices and due diligence. However, KWSIEC’s call for further verification underscores the need for stricter administrative measures to prevent future lapses.
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