DELTA LG ELECTION: LET THE PEOPLE VOTES COUNT

 Enivwenaye Felix

AS race for the Local Government elections in Delta State gather momentum, a formidable youth group in the state, Delta Elite Movement, has called on the electoral commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election to build confidence in the people ahead of the 2015 General Elections. The Commission has fixed elections to hold in October. It could be recalled that group in past had made such call on the state government on composition of the state electoral commission who will provide a roadmap for the election.

In an interview with the President, Comrade Ogegere Enivwenaye, stated that against the rumours making  round that the elections have been arranged to favour a particular party, He noted that the responsibility is on DSIEC to prove the people otherwise. In his words, He said, “We call on the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a free and credible local government come October 25, 2014, We believe that conducting an election that the people will fully participate will help build hope in the masses ahead of the General Elections next year.” He noted further that, as a matter of fact it is the responsibility of DSIEC to prove to deltans that it is indeed independent from the influence of any party and candidate. perhaps, there are insinustions in many quarters that the elections are programmed to favour a particular party, however, we demand DSIEC to prove these rumors otherwise by allowing all candidates to participate in the process.

In the same vein, the group also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the distribution of Permanent Voters Card  and the registration of new voters in the state. The President urged the commission to make the registration a continuous process so that potential voters will not be disenfranchised because alot of persons were unable to get registered within the timeline given by INEC pointing out that it was due to lack of logistics on the commission. The group also  advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs in the forthcoming elections.

Furthermore, Comrade Ogegere declared that the group will soon organise sensitization campaign to educate the masses on the importance of election. 

On his part the director, politics and strategy of the group, Comrade Jefia Dede, urged candidates and parties in the forthcoming election to reach out to the masses and also to focus on issue-based campaign rather than depend on power blocs to impose them on the people. He pointed out that imposition of a candidate on popular wish was detrimental to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. He advised politicians to abhor the use or threat of violence during elections. He said violence can only bring about destruction of lives and properties, which is not what is needed at this time. In his words He said, only peaceful environment can guarantee development, while the use of violence will only bring destruction.