By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
The Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Hon.Mamman Nda Eri, has urged members of the commission to avail themselves of the opportunity of information for the best performance in the December 12 local government election, urging them to ensure credible and acceptable polls.
This is contained in a statement signed by Modupe Adegboro,the Public Relations Officer, KOSIEC in Lokoja with a copy at the disposal of The Reporters,an online publication on Friday.
Adegboro quoted KOSIEC’s boss as saying at sensitisation programme the commission organised for the members in preparation for the exercise held at KOSIEC headquarters, lokoja that the sensitisation was to broaden their knowledge on how to conduct a successful local government election.
Eri expressed optimism that the programme would afford the members the opportunity of the latest information they needed to ensure the best rest at the end of the exercise.
The Director of Planning and Research, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, (BSEIC),Mr. Ikye Dodo Terlumum, lectured the members on the various ways of identifying and curbing security and logistics challenges during election.
He advised the Commission on early release of materials to forestall any delay in the electoral process, noting that the riverine terrain and long distance of some LGAs,from the state headquarters, should be considered.
He also urged the Commission members to dialogue more with political party stakeholders, Electoral Officers and Returning Officers, whom he described as foot soldiers of council elections, for the success of the council elections.
On accountability, Terlumum advised the commission to follow appropriate guidelines for the release and retirement of funds, emphasising that due process should be followed.
The lecturer recommended that KOSIEC should not stay idle at the end of December 12 election, but commence the process of preparation for future council elections.
The Reporters gathered that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has resolved to field female politicians as vice chairmen in all the 21 local government council elections, to encourage increased participation of women in the governance of the state, particularly at the grassroots.
