INEC Experiments With “Free” Google Software As Reward For Investing In The Home Universities Of Prof. Jega’s Advisers

I have read about the biometric voting software on a web analytics review site. It is a very complicated application that takes a lot of time to develop and it needs serious man power behind it. I too doubt that an open source application downloaded from the internet is going to provide accurate results. If INEC is going to use the open source application, the whole process will be jeopardized resulting in a waste of time and resources.

There are sites that offer free download of software. So basically you have access to a lot of online resources that are absolutely free. The most useful feature is that you could find any information you want. If for instance you need information on dll file extension types you would find that information on www.paretologic.com.

It is a wiser decision to download the software for free. Most users now opt for free downloads online. You could download software, games, applications everything online. But do not forget to have an anti virus software installed in your machine as some sites may contain virus. You could try out http://www.trendmicro.com/ for this purpose.

Oh my God! Are you serious!?!?! They are trying to use open source software for the nationals votes? At least they could check one of those enterprise private clouds because it is more secure and it is very cheap! Do you even know how easy someone can hack the open source software and modify your votes?

The Software used for the INEC Voters registration is not Open source. They simply created a quick webpage calling it open source. If it is open source, where is the change log? Where are the download links? No CODE at all is available from the page or sourceforge, so how does it qualify as opensource.

Nigeria!!! They have simply used the term opensource as an excuse to get the project without having to Bid for it. Let INEC reveal how much was paid to consultants or spent in total for this "OPEN SOURCE" software.

I am impressed with the concept but the article reflects the height of ignorance. it is naive to attempt discussions on things you cannot fathom.
Odero is a great scientist. i was in school with him at the university of nairobi in the 90s. he wa a physics major and had unprecedented acadamic ability. Thanks to all you who recognize the future is technology-Biometrics for that matter.Bravo

The person that wrote this article is obviously an ICT illiterate.

First off, Open Source software isn't a bad thing by the stretch of the imagination. You all know the Android smartphones currently kicking Apple's backside the world over? That's based on the open source linux operating system. The same operating system that forms the basis of Ubuntu (the OS being used for the registeration drive). I use an Android phone as well as using Ubuntu as my primary OS. Both are solid performers.

Heck, Google's software isn't even the one being used to do the registeration, so I can't see the conflict of interest.

This report is a joke, and so is the reporter.

You really need to do more research before you jump into any conclusion, in some countries, you will be arrested and prosecuted. I was one of the Corp members used for the registration, what I really appreciate about it all is the fact that before a problem shows, the solution is ready......kudos to the developers....they are too good.

LOL.

This writer is so so mischievous and has made no valid point but to smack up opposition and criticism. Baseless ones for that matter.

Thanks Noval. Even though your comment was written months ago (I'm just reading it), you have made a valid point. I wish to address a number of comments and the article as a whole, but I'll do that at the appropriate places. But really, this article is a little too emotional and less fact-based.

Despite this article written almost 6months back, most of its assertions still hold. While I am a strong proponent for OSS, I believe that only PROVEN OSS should be deployed in mission-critical projects. OpenVR was developed by a Femi Taiwo and was available for download @ a very popular OSS project website. Where has it been used b4 even on small scale. OpenVR is a cross-platform Java app which can run on any OS. Why have they decided to run it on Linux? I expect people to respond that it is because it is very secure. But that is a fallacy! NO Operating System(Mac,Win or Linux) is 100% secure. How come sites that run Linux as Server-OS still get compromised?! Bottomline, while I have no-qualms with OpenVR, my issue is that it hasn't been proven.

While a software may be open-source at base, there is no law stopping anybody from customizing same software to perform its own task. It doesn't mean the developed software has to remain open-source after the modification. A little reading could have prevented this sort of misinformation.

As a Nigerian I am worried that INEC chairman seems to be ill advised on how to go about the solutions to the voters registration exercise as regards both hardware and software.

DDC machines are nothing more than mini computers, scanners, cameras and management software.

Voters registration software and even actual voting/collation software can be developed from scratch based on whatever requirements and features that are required in a few months - even 3 months should do, we need to stop misinforming the public about what it really takes to develop software even if custom built.

There are very good reasons to be pessimistic in this case, even for a fan of open source software (OSS) like myself. OSS works well for:
- standard of-the-shelf applications (like browsers)
- individuals or organsations with advanced computer skills (e.g. for Linux or other complex applications requiring programming skills to utilise the full potential).
The 2011 elections are around the corner! INEC will struggle to find the skilled staff to configure and operate an open source voter registration application, and Google (if they are indeed involved in this affair..) lacks the experience in election processes AND in operating in the Nigerian context...
The total budget available to INEC is more than enough to cover the acquisition of proven hardware and software for credible elections. Nigeria, and much of sub-Saharan Africa appears to be unaware of the expression "buy cheap, buy twice". Have we forgotten the mess-up in the last elections?? And is anyone so naive as to believe there will be remaining funds after the elections to return to the government?? Any so-called savings will find their way into other contracts.
Unfortunately Prof Jega was unable, or unwilling to find technically qualified advisers and consultants. Maybe his replacement after the January elections will be able to do a better job next time around. Nigeria deserves the best, and INEC had the money to get it....

First and foremost the writer of this article need further orientation in ICT.. However, we can't be doing PILOT test for the whole country.. Probably try it out with local government,then extend it gradually..

I dont have any qualms with u competing with the 'fraudsters & blackmailers' cos u will surely beat them to it. You're d best!

But stating that Nigeria will not change in your lifetime is not acceptable unless you're ready 2 die, now!

Pls SR, do not expose the technical naivety of your staff.I am neither for or against INEC decision, but pls educate your writers well.what is open source and what are open source solutions available ? I am afraid many do not know.

Most pethe news or write people reading the news or the write-ups on this site should be informed that Saharareporters is Citizen reporter site meaning you get the news and write it yourself and post it on the website.
Please read the news article or commentary and take note of the writer before you blame saharareporters for a news article or commentary it did not write.

Google acquired Neven Vision in 15th August 2006. It is a world class bio-metric technology company with similar concern to those of INEC voters register. It softwares does not only have a finger and pupil mark ID system it also has a pic-to-search capability that could match unique faces to name and locations at the speed of search engine query.

The idiot that wrote this article has not done his research well. Must we always buy something to appreciate its value?

This article is written by a complete IT novice. Sometimes saharareporters exhibit this type of ignorance and lack of depth. The claims here are baseless and shallow. Capturing biometric is less headache than storage mining and queries. If you know what I mean then you will consider Google for the job

I cant agree more to many people are saying things about this consultant Odera. Why do we wait until the damage is done before we investigate. Simple if the guy is clean and qualified let him do the job. If he is not, let him be thrown out. But this issue concerns me. All the questions must be answered. We have been down this road with corrupt so called consultants before. Is the Nigerian election not worth being driven by people we are sure about. Let us nit turn around and start saying EFCC, SSS and so on did not do there job. Lets not blow it again. Linux is good for the election, no doubt. But as any program, it will do what you tell it to do. If you tell it to rig it will, intelligently.

Soleba, is right. What is the guys qualification to consult for INEC. Why are we reinventing the wheel. Elections are being done worldwide without all this brouhaha. Why cant we get consultans with experience and software and hardware that has been used and tested worldwide. I also find it interesting that so many people have so much to say about this Odero fella. He is worth investigating before the entire process is rigged via software. If your hands are not clean stay out of our process.

There is really no time for all manner of arguements.

Why can't we look at countries that have done this successfully, copy their style and standards and customise for local use.

This is as simple as it sounds. INEC, beware of consultants who may not even have experience in this subject matter.

God bless Nigeria

SOLEBA

Well, I will not like to take sides in this argument as there are alot of pro's and con's to using open source.

My simple questions are:
1. Does this open source really exist or its just an excuse to enter from the back door to build? If it exists, please let us all know the name. Open source means its freely available, and if you believe its secure enough, releasing the name should not be an issue. Expert software programmers can then look at it and confirm if its worth it or not. Isn't that the concept of open source?

2. The issue with INEC voters register goes beyond just the software but also the process. At what stage those the fingerprint checking take place? After millions of voters card have been printed and issued out? Or immediately at registration.

Answer these two questions and then it might be worth i. But if its all a scam, then be sure there will be no answers to these simple questions.

Go and do your research very well the future of google is biometrics. they have done urge investment in Biometrics.

I USED TO HAVE RESPECT FOR SAHARA REPORTERS UNTIL NOW.
IT IS A DANGEROUS THING TO TALK ABOUT A SUBJECT YOU HAVE LITTLE OR NO UNDERSTANDING.
YOU GUYS NEED TO DO A RESEARCH ON OPENSOURCE BEFORE YOU CRUCIFY IT ON THE ALTER OF YOUR IGNORANCE AND CYNICISM.
CONGRATS ODERA NYIMBI...PLS KEEP THE GOOD WORK TO CHANGE NIGERIA FOR THE BETTER

CYRIL

Dear Readers,

It is amazing what is written as comments by readers of Sahara Reporters on the Kenyan, as I have been reading through today 6/09/2010.

I take particular offense, calling him a fraud, when we are all aware, that 419 was invented in Nigeria; and that Nigerians are racist; especially the South against all races on Earth.

In a nutshell, it is you Nigerians that are fraudulent, and not the Kenyan.

What can you show since independence? With your vast oil reserves and natural resources, compared to a small country called Kenya?

Nothing!

Good luck Mr Kenya, and INEC is absolutely correct.

INEC do not allow those fat politicians from PDP or any other party, twist your arms and blackmail you, Sir,

The Obasanjo Presidency in which we were engaged in to supply all the ballot boxes and other products to INEC, went to himslef; his nearest and dearest; and those Lebanese, crooks.

This time around, since then, we will not participate in the election of Nigeria.

If Nigeria wish to establish herself as a progressive and develope nation, INEC should put out all their requirements to local and international TENDERS and we will compete with those fraudsters and blackmailers.

Nothing has changed in Nigeria to date.

It will not change in our lifetime, nor for the next 100 years in corruption.

Welcome to Nigeria!

Open or 'closed' source I will rather go with google. They have a name to protect!

The truth of the matter is that Linux is the best OS to use to this exercise. It is robust and will beat Windows hands down.

Microsoft windows were a stolen OS from Apple years ago and they have failed to make it robust. It is unstable just like the leadership team lead by the bald headed pot belly man in Redmond Washington USA. Bill Gates was doing a great Job until the Steve Balmar took over the helms of the company. It has been down hill since he became CEO.

If INEC chooses windows, this whole project would be a failure. OPEN source or Linux has proven is self in the Data Center and companies have continuously been putting their faith on the Linux platform.

Well the so call cabal that lost this deal thought the guys at INEC are Dump fools. But they will find out that Prof Jaga has surrounded himself with smart people that can do the job.

Nigerians involved have not been able to penetrate him. The reason they are mad is that they have not been able to Dash money to influence the process..

Prof Jeja, Please stick with your plan. Don’t let these fools distract you. You are on the right track.

Also the same guys calling the Kenyan man a fraud are Fraud themselves. Are you guys clean? You guys have been going to Abuja to find a way to bribe officials of INEC to ward contracts to you. Is it not ironic that you will then come around and call the Kenyan man Fraud?

Nyimbi Odero is a fraudster and we have been looking for him for a long time. Now we know where he is. It is time to ensure this guy faces justice. His 419 days must come to an end