From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Anambra State has appealed to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, credible and generally acceptable supplimentary election during Saturday’s Ogbaru Federal Constituency supplementary election.
The State Chairman of CLO Mr. Vincent Ezekwueme made the call in a statement tagged “what ever that affects one directly affect all indirectly” said INEC should redeem its image by conducting credible elections.
“It is pertinent to note the reality that people has lost faith, hope and confidence in electoral process due to flawed February 25th Presidential Election.This has led to unprecedented voters apathy, indifference and nonchalant attitude during March 18th governorship and House of Assembly elections.
“Worthy of note is to rescue the pathetic and despicable condition is a collective task that must be done by all stakeholders.
“It will be a welcome development and a step in the right direction for INEC to use the supplimentary election to redeem her battered image and restore people confidence in the electoral process.
“INEC and security personnel should prove wrong assertion of John Stallion that those who cast voters does nothing, but those who count the votes does everything by counting the votes rightly and ensuring that people’s votes counts and outcome of every elections reflects the wishes and aspirations of the majority of the electorate.
“It is pertinent to note that credible elections precipitate credible leaders and transparent government and governance..
“INEC, Security personnel, political gladiators, stakeholders and political parties must play the game according to the rules and ensure that people’s votes counts in words and actions. INEC should provide level playing ground for all the contestants as only pre condition for credible election.
“It is of prime to note that the outcome of February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections led to unprecedented low voters turnout during governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 18th.
“There is urgent and inevitable need to rescue the situation by ensuring through words and actions that people’s votes counts.
“Anambrarians and Nigerians are desirous of credible and generally acceptable elections in the country as only desideratum towards enthronement of God fearing, charismatic, accountable, patriotic, competent servant leaders” Ezekwueme stated.