NAN-H-57
Election
By Douglas Okoro
Abakaliki, March 28, 2017 (NAN) A member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Victor Aleke, representing Ebonyi North state constituency has called on the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to ensure credible, free and fair polls.
Aleke, who is also the House Committee Chairman on EBSIEC and Electoral Matters, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abakaliki.
According to him, the amended Electoral law 001 of 2017 has provided the commission with enabling legal powers and backing to ensure that the exercise is not only credible but also free and fair.
He said that commission was being adequately funded to meet its mandate of ensuring that the electorate was fully mobilised, sensitised as well as given the necessary voter education.
The lawmaker tasked the commission to eschew all forms of electoral malpractice and any act that would compromise the integrity and outcome of the exercise.
He also urged the body to provide equal playing field to all the participating political parties and their candidates.
“We have provided the commission with enough legal framework to operate and approved funds for the smooth conduct of the elections.
“The public is expecting a lot from the commission in terms of performance and ensuring that the exercise is credible, free, fair and devoid of manipulation or undue interference by politicians.
“The commission should assert its independence and ensure that every political party and every candidate is given equal opportunity and level play field to test his or her popularity at the ballot box,” said Aleke.
He further advised the commission to partner relevant stakeholders, including the security agencies, opinion leaders and traditional rulers to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The lawmaker, who described local government area election as very important, urged the people to come out in their large numbers to elect credible representatives.
“As we approach the April 22 date for the Ebonyi local government polls it is important that the commission partners with critical stakeholders to ensure that voters are adequately mobilised to participate in the crucial civic exercise.
“The people are also advised to take advantage of the election, come out en-masse and elect their local government representatives,” he added. (NAN)
ODO/MAS/DUA
Edited by Moses Solanke/Dada Ahmed