Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently appeared before the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees.
He Defended the proposed Supplementary Budget of N18 billion, part of which is intended for the Off-season Governorship Elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States.
Yakubu clarified that N10.6 billion of the Allocated Funds would enable the Commission to pay its staff the 40% Increase in Peculiar Allowance previously Approved by the Federal Government in April 2023.
An additional N3 billion is set aside to cover the N35,000 award granted to Public Servants across Nigeria, along with the new Duty Tour Allowance.
The Chairman further explained that the Commission plans to use N1.6 billion for the Conduct of eleven outstanding Bye-elections, comprising five Federal Constituencies, four State Constituencies, and two Senatorial Districts.
Another N1.4 billion is allocated for covering cost differentials in the Budget for the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi Governorship Elections.
During his presentation, Yakubu Informed the House of Representatives that the Commission has a total of 16,614 Staff Members.
He emphasized the necessity of the Supplementary Budget to accommodate the Increased Allowances, considering the significant number of Employees in the Commission.
The Governorship Elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa are scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
