OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO

Chief Mike Ogbodu, chairman, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has given further clarification on why the Commission fixed the Local Government election in the state for Saturday, January 6, 2018 just as he promised that the Commission would provide a level playing field for all aspirants and parties to test their popularity at the polls.

Chief Ogbodu disclosed this at a meeting with representatives of all the registered political parties and other stakeholders in Delta State, he said that the choice of the date is informed by the need to comply with the current DSIEC amended law 2017, noting that the new law has paved the way for the current election process being embarked on by the Commission.

The DSIEC boss said that the Commission will always seek the cooperation of all stakeholders as well as keep to the rules of engagement in the conduct of elections  by complying with various processes that are in tandem with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

According to Chief Ogbodu, “the Commission called for this meeting to unveil our noble plans that will usher in the various processes that are meant to unfold the Commission’s electoral calendar to the leadership of various political parties. Moreover, it is intended to seek the support of various stakeholders in the state with a view to conduct a peaceful, credible and acceptable elections as DSIEC will provide a level playing  ground for all parties and aspirants to test their popularity in the eyes of the electorates.”

Chief Ogbodu further disclosed that, ” soon after this parley with you, we shall embark on a state wide tour to formerly introduce ourselves to our stakeholders and enlighten everybody including the electorates on the need to actively participate in electing credible candidates of their choice to fill various chairmanship and councilor ship positions that are elected to be vacant on 27th October, 2017 when the tenure of the  current elected officials  at the Councils will elapse.”

He said that the Commission has commenced various activities that would enable the it deliver on schedule, adding, “to this end, we have commenced the various activities including the acquisition of the current register of voters from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), perfected arrangements for procurement and purchase of sensitive and non sensitive electoral materials among others.”

Explaining more on the choice of the date for the election, Chief Ogbodu has this to say, “the choice of the date is informed by the need to comply with current DSIEC Law 2017 recently passed by our distinguished Legislators of the State House of Assembly. The result of their efforts have extremely paved way for the current elective processes being embarked upon by the Commission.”

He the assured the parties and stakeholders that with their cooperation and support, the Commission would conduct an acceptable and credible elections, adding, “during  my tenure, we will continue to seek the corporation of various political parties on matters that are germane to the success of elections. We promised to provide a level playing field for all the candidates. We have drawn up the time table and guidelines strictly in line with our law.”

Responding to questions, comments and some fears expressed by party official and stakeholders, Chief Ogbodu reassured them of the Commission’s preparedness to deliver a credible and acceptable election, adding, “Whatever the observation don’t be afraid, all you need to do is to campaign for votes and we will provide a level playing field for all.”

In a remark, the IPAC chairman, Mr. Fred Obi stressed the needs for public office holders to live above board, saying; “ We will believe the Commission as promised by the new chairman, believing that it will tell what the future election will be.”