2015 Election: House C’ttee, Experts Back Use of Card Readers

Stories by Emma Okonji In spite of stiff opposition from some quarters to the use of card readers for the March 28 and April 11 elections, the House of Representatives committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and some technology experts have okayed the use of the device.

They insisted that the card readers device is a technology that would enhance electoral process and also help achieve a free and fair election.

Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, told THISDAY that the planned used of card readers for the next general elec- tion is a welcomed development that Nigerians must not resist, even though the technology is new to Nigerians.

He noted that most Nigerians are not in tune to new technologies that will bring about change and positive development. “I assure Nigerians that the card readers will help the country achieve ‘one man one vote’ which is a campaign that has been ongoing in the country. It will also help to achieve a fair and free election, without fear of rigging” Gusau who is passionate about new technologies said.

Speaking in the same vein, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi described technology as a worldwide phenomenon that is driving economies, and wondered why Nigerians will accept some technologies and reject others.

According to him, the issue of using card readers for election, is a welcomed development that would address a whole lot of issues bedeviling elections and electoral processes in Nigeria.

“When mobile phone was introduced in Nigeria in 2001, it was unanimously accepted by Nigerians who saw it as a good development that would enhance communication process in the country. Likewise, when cars were invented and introduced to Nigerians some several years back, all Nigerians embraced it and saw it as a quick and better means of mobility. Now the card reader, which is another technology that will make elections free, fair and easier has just been introduced to Nigerians, yet some Nigerians are opposing to it for selfish reasons, even though it has been tested and accepted in other parts of the world , and I am surprised about this reaction,” Ajayi said.

He added: “Technology is something that is designed for humans, to address the challenges of people and to make life easy for everybody,