Imo Council Polls: ISIEC Seeks Support Of Critical Stakeholders.
By Anthony Ahize
As an affirmative consequence of its reconstitution penultimate week by His Excellency Distinguished SenatorHope Uzodimma Governor Imo State, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission ( ISIEC) has commenced a structured consultation/ interface with critical stakeholders, premised on the imperatives of highlighting the imminence of Local Government Council elections in Imo State, in order to elicit empathy, understanding and massive support of all Imolites that desire to have a democratically elected representatives of the people at the grassroots.
The Chairman of Imo State Independent Electoral Commission Chief Charles Ejiogu disclosed this while exchanging views with newsmen in his office. He stated that the ongoing consultation exercise will enable the Commission to interface with critical stakeholders is structured in three phases; starting with stakeholders such as the Imo State House of Assembly, Cabinet Office, Office of the Attorney General of Imo State and Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Secondly, democratic institutions (stakeholders) such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service ( DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC).
Thirdly, reaching out to the Traditional Rulers, Autonomous Communities, Faith-based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations , identified Opinion moulders and the Media.
The ISIEC Chairman Chief Charles Ejiogu enthused that these well intentioned strides are unambiguously indicative of the Commission’ s resolve to enthrone a sustainable democratic culture at the grassroots, in line with the provisions of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Chief Charles Ejiogu lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his commitment towards a free , fair and credible Council polls in view of de-escalation of the insecurity challenge which he regrettably noted, stalled the conduct of Council elections two years ago.
He assured that at the end of the ongoing consultations, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission ( ISIEC) will roll out the Election Guidelines/ Timetable and appealed to the electorate to participate actively in the forthcoming elections, as it is the only veritable vehicle of electing credible leaders for grassroots development.
