NAN-H-63
Polls
By Douglas Okoro
Ebieji (Ebonyi), Feb. 3, 2017 (NAN) The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), on Friday assured that April 22 council elections in the state would be free, fair and credible.
Chairman of the commission, Chief Josy Eze, stated this at Ebieji, headquarters of Ezza North Local Government Area during a voter sensitisation by the commission in the area.
Nwoba, who was represented by Mr Alphonsus Nwoba, Commissioner in charge of Finance in the commission, urged stakeholders in the electoral process to partner the commission to achieve its goal.
According to him, the sensitisation is aimed at mobilizing the electorate through voter education and enlightenment for successful polls.
He noted that the exercise was to educate the electorate on ways to make informed decisions that would guide them in choosing credible leaders through the ballot box.
“We are here today to sensitize, enlighten and educate you on how to exercise your voting rights which is the only weapon you have to choose credible leaders.
“We want to assure you that the commission is committed to organising credible, free and fair local government polls where your votes must count.
“We are ready and determined to organise a violent-free poll and urge you to turn out en masse to cast your ballot come April 22 to candidates of your choice,” Nwoba said.
He said that the commission would synergise with stakeholders to ensure successful conduct of the poll and appealed to political parties to shun imposition of candidates on their members.
“We urge political parties to allow internal democracy to thrive in the selection of flag bearers to reduce unnecessary tension and bickering.
“The commission will collaborate with stakeholders, community leaders and security agencies to ensure successful exercise,’’ he added.
Nwoba said that the commission had identified causes of electoral apathy, electoral violence and their consequences on the electoral process, adding that the commission had taken steps to avert such occurrences.
The Chairman of the council, Mrs Nora Alo, commended EBSIEC for the sensitisation visit and pledged to mobilize the people for the election.
She said that the council would partner the commission in area of security to ensure violent-free poll in the area.
“We commend your efforts in ensuring that the people receive adequate information about the forthcoming April 22 local government elections.
“We promise to assist the commission, especially in the areas of security and mobilizing the grassroots for the elections.
“We are promising that you will have an environment conducive for the conduct of violent-free and credible elections,’’ Alo said.
The event, which was attended by political parties’ chieftains, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, featured lectures on measures to achieve credible elections. (NAN)
ODO/OIF/OPI
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olisa Ifeajika