The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the loss of thousands of its Direct Data Capture Machines in its Lagos office, evoking chilling memories of organisational lapses that cost the nation a fortune in the not-too-distant past. For the voter registration that took place last January/February, the Federal Government released N87 billion to cover the cost of 132,000 DDC Machines (at $1,699.60$1,771.73 per unit) and logistics, after the newly-reconstituted INEC discarded some 37,000 DDCMs procured during the tenure of Prof. Maurice Iwu in 2007.A statement issued by INEC headquarters in Abuja on October 25 indicated that the Central Stores at its Lagos office were recently burgled and about 1,388 of the machines and the internal hard disks of 2,986 others were stolen, while 644 DDCM batteries are missing. According to the commission, Indications of the theft were first noticed on October 16, 2011, while the quantity of items involved was determined through an in-house audit concluded on October 24, 2011.This, again, demonstrates the level of administrative laxity at INEC. Last December, an undisclosed number of DDCMs ordered by INEC from abroad were stolen from the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, also in Lagos. The incident caused some alarm around the country as the potential consequences for the planned voter registration were obvious. And, on January 17, while the exercise was on, a number of DDCMs were stolen from INECs custody in Minna, Niger State. Later, on January 26, newspapers were awash with reports of DDCMs found in traditional worship shrines in Anambra State. Before the April elections, INEC said it recovered four out of the seven DDC machines stolen in Langtang, Plateau State. During the National Assembly elections, INEC said no fewer than 117 of its ballot boxes were stolen.Theft of highly sensitive equipment like DDCMs (and internal hard disks) containing biometric data of citizens captured during the voter registration is a matter of grave concern. INEC sought to assure citizens, stating, The commission hereby allays all fears over the safety of data gathered with the stolen items, as these data remain secure in its data bank. But that is far from satisfactory. The commission sounds presumptuous, giving the rather unfortunate impression that the intent of the criminals is so obviousrestricted to inputed data.The thieves definitely know what they can make out of the DDCMs and the hard disks to advance their own private schemes, which are likely to be subversive of the electoral system in the future. That they have taken possession of a sizeable chunk of equipment in an integrated data collection system means the integrity of data-related undertakings of the commission could be compromised in ways not contemplated by its functionaries.The theft at MMIA in December may have been by outsiders, but it was enough to keep INEC functionaries on their toes. When it happened again in Minna, there were reasons to look within, but now, it is from the central stores in Lagos, with the very clear possibility of insider involvement. What is apparent is that from within and from without, the commission is under siege. Investigations by the security agencies, which have reportedly begun, are necessary, but a lot more is required of INEC to avoid recurrence. The question is: How many of these and other theft cases have been properly investigated and diligently prosecuted'Losses of the nature thus far reported mean a huge shortfall in resources for future data-related projects of the commission. Fresh financial allocations will be demanded in future for procurements, with the implication that other competing needs of the nation would have to be sacrificed to remedy an avoidable deficit. This again projects Nigeria as lacking discipline and accountability. INEC must put a loss prevention mechanism in place to head off thieves before they strike. There are loss prevention technologies to prevent insider theft.Jega should put INECs house in order. It is well known that conducting free, fair and credible elections is of crucial significance in the sustenance of a viable democratic system. But regular reports of theft of election material and equipment can cast doubt on the competence of INECs leadership and compromise the integrity of future elections. INEC must ascertain whether the theft was proximately caused by an individuals negligence or abuse and make its findings public, besides punishing those found culpable.It is regrettable that INEC has been out of the legislative radar since the conclusion of the General Election last April. The National Assembly should continue to monitor INEC and explore ways of building a credible electoral umpire for the sustenance of the nations democracy. It is improper that senior government officials appear aloof to this grave breach of security. All resources of the state must be mobilised to get to the root of this theft.
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