THE Edo State Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO) on Friday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to use the September 21 Edo State governorship election to reinstated the integrity of the commission by conducting a free, fair and credible poll in the state.
The group, through its Coordinator General, Comrade Omobude Agho, disclosed this while addressing Journalists on “Edo State 2024 governorship election and matters arising in Benin City.
According to him, anything short of a free, fair and credible election would further discourage people from exercising their franchise in future elections.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, must not further discourage genuine voters by their actions or inactions in this Saturday’s Edo state governorship election.
“Saturday 21st September 2024 presents another golden opportunity for the commission to redeem its image.
“The INEC chairman, Professor. Mahmud Yakubu must give Nigerians the assurance of purpose to further trust our electoral processes going by previous questionable and controversial outcome of elections conducted by INEC.
“The continuity of this democracy in Nigeria going forward, rests on his shoulders as head of the commission.
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“An umpire must be neutral, just, fair and trustworthy to earn the confidence of the people”, Agho added.
While commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun for temporary putting a ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), Agho said that the police and other security agencies must be above board in the election.
He maintained that they must truly give protection to citizens and not look away at distressed calls.
According to him “They must not be seen as being partisan by their activities.
“They must do everything within their powers to protect and defend our democracy.
“They must strongly adhere to the respect for human rights and the dignity of persons throughout this election period”,.
He also called on the the citizens of the state to come out en-mass for the election
“As citizens, vote without selfish emotions, sentiments, hatred or coercion. Your vote should be well informed with consideration to your future and that of your children.
“Our young men must see themselves as honourable citizens of the federal republic of Nigeria and should not allow themselves to become willing tools in the hands of self serving politicians to be recruited or employed only during electioneering period like this to serve as thugs, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons for the purpose of ballot snatching or destructions of same for a one-time-off meal”