The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has organised a training programme for newly appointed Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and Store Officers to strengthen their capacity ahead of future local government elections in the state.
The training focused on administrative procedures, election management and contemporary issues surrounding the conduct of local government elections in Cross River State.
CROSIEC Emphasises Neutrality and Professionalism
Speaking during the training, the State Secretary of CROSIEC, Mr. Lawrence Edu, welcomed participants and commended the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for its efforts in strengthening the state electoral system.
Edu explained that the training was designed to equip the newly appointed officials with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities during elections.
He reminded the officers that they are expected to remain neutral and must not support any political party or candidate while performing their official duties.
Training Essential to Electoral Success
The Chairman of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwat, urged the newly appointed officials to uphold the core values of the electoral system.
He described training as an essential component of professional development, stressing that properly trained personnel are better equipped to deliver effective public service.
Effiwat encouraged the officers to take the lessons seriously and apply the knowledge acquired in their respective assignments.
Officials Urged to Protect Electoral Records
Representing the Head of Service, Ignatius Edu urged the newly appointed officials to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their duties.
He reminded them that they are civil servants and not politicians, stressing the importance of treating all political parties, candidates and citizens equally.
Edu also charged the officers to properly manage and protect official records, describing government records as public assets that must not be treated as personal property.
He urged participants to put the knowledge acquired during the training into practice when they resume their official responsibilities.
Local Government Commission Calls for Credible Elections
The Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Barr. Eyo Nsa, reminded participants of the importance of their responsibilities in the electoral process.
He urged the newly appointed officers to ensure that voters are allowed to freely exercise their democratic choices without interference.
Nsa called on the officials to conduct themselves professionally and contribute to ensuring credible, transparent and properly administered elections across the state.
CROSIEC Chairman Highlights Achievements
The Chairman of CROSIEC, Mr. Ekong Edet, described the training as an important step in preparing newly appointed personnel for higher responsibilities within the Commission.
According to him, training helps employees acquire new skills, improve morale and increase productivity.
He explained that the programme was designed to familiarise participants with the intricacies of electoral administration, including administrative procedures, election processes, operational practices and the conduct of elections.
Edet also highlighted some of the Commission’s achievements since he assumed office, including the renovation of the CROSIEC headquarters, restoration of water supply, stabilisation of electricity and other infrastructural upgrades.
He also cited the successful conduct of the 2024 Local Government Council Elections in Cross River State as one of the Commission’s notable achievements.
82 New Staff Recruited to Address Understaffing
The CROSIEC Chairman disclosed that understaffing, partly caused by retirement and the death of some staff members, had affected the Commission’s manpower capacity.
He revealed that 82 new staff members have been recruited to strengthen the Commission’s workforce and improve its ability to meet public expectations.
The newly recruited personnel are expected to undergo continuous capacity development to ensure effective service delivery.
Government Commends CROSIEC for Training Initiative
Representing the Secretary to the State Government at the official opening of the training, Hon. Okpa E. Akpetcommended the CROSIEC Chairman for organising the capacity-building programme for the newly appointed officials.
He also appreciated Governor Bassey Edet Otu for creating employment opportunities for Cross Riverians, noting that such initiatives contribute to the growth and development of the state.
Akpet subsequently declared the training programme officially open.
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