By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of kogi state.
Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) in Lokoja, Kogi State, has called on the state government to provide all necessary logistical and material support to ensure a successful local government election in the state on October 19.
In a statement made available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Wednesday,Miliki emphasized the need for electoral materials, vehicles, personnel, and security to be supplied to the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) to conduct the election in a peaceful environment.
“We commend the peaceful conduct of political parties during their campaigns thus far,” he said, urging that these efforts continue as campaigns conclude according to SIEC’s schedule.
Miliki also called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism before, during, and after the election, while urging the media to practice professionalism, especially in reporting results, and to avoid sensationalism.
He encouraged citizens and eligible voters to participate actively and reminded them to avoid spreading fake news or misinformation.
Observers, he noted, should adhere to the code of conduct for election observation.
Miliki stressed that elections are a contest, advising that will feel dissatisfied with results to seek legal redress rather than viewing the election as a “do or die” affair.
He also urged stakeholders to respect the vote-counting process.
Commending SIEC’s efforts, Miliki called on the commission to deliver a free, fair, and transparent election and to promptly release the results.
According to the timetable, signed by the SIEC chairman and released on July 16, the elections will take place in the state during which 21 local government chairmen and 229 councilors will be elected.
