NOV 11 IMO GUBER POLL: NEPAD GALVANIZE STAKEHOLDERS FOR VIOLENT-FREE ELECTION
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU
As preparations for the November 11 governorship election in Imo State get underway, the media and civil society groups have been charged to step up campaigns for violent-free polls in the country.
The National Coordinator, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Princess Gloria Akobundu made the call at a workshop on awareness creation on violent-free election held in Owerri.
Princess Akobundu, who was represented by Mrs. Tessy Okoroafor, noted that peaceful election was necessary for good governance and development.
He called on parents to caution their wards on the dangers of electoral violence.
The Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, called on politicians to play according to the rules.
The Governor also called on law enforcement agents to ensure strict compliance to electoral laws.
Chief Uzodimma, who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, said votes must count.
He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) to improve on the use of technology to ensure seamless elections.
The Director Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Wilcox Idaminabo, in Imo State noted that elections in the country had been marred by violence.
The DSS boss assured the people that service would compliment the efforts of other security agencies to contain the threats posed by non state actors and desperate politicians towards the conduct of the election in the state.
He blamed thuggery and vote buying witnessed during elections to the high level of poverty in the society and called on leaders to address the situation.
Mr. Evans Enyeribe, who spoke on behalf of the youths, said young people would resist any attempt by desperate politicians to use them to subvert the electoral process.
Participants in the event, which included civil society groups, women organisations, youth groups and student union bodies, embarked on a road show to sensitise the residents to the dangers of violence during elections.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
