AHEAD of the November 2017 local government election in Enugu State, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has warned contestants and political leaders in the state against electoral fraud, hate speech and violence.
Speaking at a one-day workshop organised by ENSIEC in collaboration with PAT and BEGOS consult held in Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, the Guest lecturer, Professor Vincent Onodugu condemned the “do or die” attitude that had characterized elections in the country, pointing out that elections in the third-tier system are not an exemption.
Professor Onodugu noted that the theme of the workshop entitled, “Identifying and eliminating all the obstacles to free and fair local government election” was apt, urging the political office seekers to play politics with an open mind devoid of bitterness and rancour.
The Don also encouraged members of the public, irrespective of their political views to participate actively in the political process, urging the electorate to join hands to elect the deserved leaders that would change their lives for good.
Onodugu also advised ENSIEC to get prepared for LG elections by training Ad-hoc officers, releasing of election timetable on time, the invitation of media and security men during the release of timetable and procedure, development of election materials on time and many others.
“We are interested in free and fair elections in the state because it gives impetus to democracy and legitimacy to the leadership arising from it. It makes election credible and increases the possibility of high profile leader to emerge. Officeholders and incumbent will sit up and be accountable knowing that people will react to their performance during voting.
“The greatest motivation for electoral fraud and violence in Nigeria is that there is too much stake in political offices and less accountability leading to a do or die attitude by contestants.
“Adequate preparation for LG election by ENSIEC like training of ad-hoc officers, the release of election timetable on time, invitation of media and security men during the election will help in a free and fair election which is the beam of credible election”, he pointed out.
Also speaking, one Christopher Nweze, regretted that “Nigerian democracy has been impeded by imposition of frightening financial deposit on intending candidate, building party manifesto on persons rather than on national issues, the tradition of candidates being selected and imposed by influential party chieftains”
He urged all aspirants who were already vested with the mandate to carry the mantle of local government, state and nation to bear in mind that without democracy the nation can hardly go anywhere.
In an interview with reporters, the Vice Chairman Candidate of Nsukka Local Government Area in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Comrade Cosmo Agbo, commended ENSIEC and PAT & BEGOS consult for organising the workshop for all the contestants in the election, stressing that the hope of seeing a free and fair election had been rekindled.
Agbo who said he was optimistic that PDP would sweep the forthcoming local government poll in the state, also highlighted the relevance of local administration in the country, adding that the third tier system should be occupied with men and women of impeccable character.
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