INEC BEGS RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO MOBILIZE FOR NOV GUBER POLL IN IMO

 
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to the clergy to use the pulpit to mobilize the electorate to turn out en-masse in next month’s governorship election in Imo State.

The Resident Electoral Commission in the state, Professor Sylvia Agu, made the appeal in Owerri during a meeting with religious leaders and leaders of faith-based organizations in preparation for the election.

Professor Agu said the religious bodies were strategic in shaping the opinion of the people, hence the need for them to encourage their members to shun voter apathy and participate in the November 11 poll.

She called on stakeholders in the election to build more confidence in the electoral umpire as the Commission had taken measures to ensure that some of the lapses witnessed during the last elections did not recur.

Professor Agu explained that INEC had embarked on training of electoral officers and security agents to ensure seamless election and gave an assurance that the off-cycle election would be free, fair and credible.

Some of the religious leaders commended INEC for the proactive measures it had taken so far but stressed the need for the commission to be more transparent in its approach to regain the confidence of the people.

They promised to sensitize their members to the need to collect their permanent voter cards, come out and vote during the election and offer prayers for the peaceful conduct of the election.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU